Is Your Body a Hollow Shell? You Might Be Vitamin B12 Deficient
What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps your body produce red blood cells, DNA, and myelin, the protective coating around your nerves.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include:– Fatigue– Weakness– Pale skin– Shortness of breath– Heart palpitations– Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet– Difficulty concentrating– Memory problems– Mood changes
Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?
People at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency include:– Older adults– People with pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disorder that prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12 from food– People with Crohn's disease or other digestive disorders that affect absorption of nutrients– Vegans and vegetarians, who may not get enough vitamin B12 from their diet
How to get more vitamin B12
The best way to get more vitamin B12 is to eat a variety of foods that contain it, such as:– Meat– Poultry– Fish– Eggs– Dairy products– Fortified cereals and nutritional yeast
Vitamin B12 supplements
If you have difficulty getting enough vitamin B12 from your diet, you may need to take a supplement. Vitamin B12 supplements are available in pill, capsule, and liquid form.
When to see a doctor
If you have any of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency typically involves taking vitamin B12 supplements or getting vitamin B12 injections.
Prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency
The best way to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency is to eat a variety of foods that contain it. If you are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, you may also need to take a supplement.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a serious condition, but it is treatable. If you have any of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.