Signs Of B12 Vitamin Deficiency

Introduction

Vitamin B12 is one of the most essential vitamins required by the body for overall health. It is responsible for the formation of blood and the proper functioning of central nervous system. It is essential for basic metabolic processes and DNA synthesis. Even though a very minimal amount of vitamin B12 is required for normal functioning, vitamin B12 is not commonly found in food.

Vegetarians suffer a lot with B12 vitamin deficiency as meat is the major source of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 deficiency lead towards anemia, dizziness, mood swings, lack of energy, nervous problem, depressed state of mind, memory loss, etc. Since the deficiency causes several health ailments, the signs of the diseases vary. Here is the simple guide on B12 vitamin deficiency in men, women and children.

Signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Signs of B12 vitamin deficiency in men: Deficiency of B12 vitamin can be identified by extreme tiredness, loss of energy, breath problems like shortness of breath, lowered temperature, infections in gums, and pale dry skin. A few or all of these signs signifies the initial stage of deficiency. When it is not diagnosed in the earlier stage, the progressed deficiency includes the signs like damages in the central nervous system, nervous weakness, followed by numbness in hands and legs. The severe deficiency can be identified with the inability to balance the body and extreme difficulty in walking and moving.

Signs of B12 vitamin deficiency in women: Women suffering from B12 vitamin deficiency experience some common signs of B12 deficiency like damages to the central nervous system, fatigue, lack of energy, etc as experienced by men. Yet, there are few other additional symptoms experienced by women. Women who are more likely to develop B12 deficiency experience the signs of discomfort in stomach, followed by irregular and improper bowel movements. It includes lack of appetite, fullness of stomach, constipation, mild to severe abdominal pain, cramps in the abdomen, etc. Further, women are more likely to experience the numbness in the hands and toes in the earlier stage. In addition, constant mood changes is more common in women than men who tend behave like mentally challenged people, which may vary from depression, confusion, loss of memory, extreme level of stress, etc.

Above all, the most common sign of B12 vitamin deficiency in women in irregular menstrual cycle. Since the deficiency cause anemia, menstrual problems are experienced as common symptoms, which are followed by unexpected and rapid weight gain.

Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in children: More than 40 percent of children are suffering from mild to severe vitamin B12 deficiency. It is very commonly found in infants and toddlers of vegetarian parents. Breast feeding infants and toddlers of vegetarian mother are at the higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. And the signs of deficiency include delay in growth and development, pale and dryness of skin, movement problems, fatigue, lack of normal activity, etc.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated when symptoms are experienced. Taking B12 vitamin pills and eating egg, fish, and cheesecan prevent further damage and treat the symptoms of B12 vitamin deficiency. Children can be fed with fortified cereals which contains good amount of vitamin 12.

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