Before we cover the subject of vitamin B12 warnings signs and how they may impact your health, a brief description of Vitamin B12 will enable you to acquire a better understanding of the subject matter. The B12 vitamin is a member of the B complex family and is responsible for maintaining many functions of the human body including the central nervous system.
B12 plays a vital role in the development of red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. For these reasons it is often referred as the energy vitamin. B12 is water soluble and can be stored in the liver for 5 to 7 years. The vitamin can be sourced from foods that include red meat, fish and dairy produce including milk, eggs and cheese.
Although the vitamin is readily accessible and the human body has the ability to store it, there are still a great number of people who are deficient in B12. The symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiencies are varied and can easily be linked to other ailments until they become more acute.
The following are common vitamin B12 warning signs that could indicate a deficiency:
Weakness and Lack Of Energy
Vitamin B12 has an essential role in the bodies metabolism. This is the process of breaking down the food we eat and converting it into energy for the body to function and move. Having a deficiency in B12 can reduce the effectiveness of the body to convert food into the energy in order for us to function effectively during the day. The hampering of this conversion process depletes energy levels in the body making the person tired and fatigued. More chronic symptoms could indicate chronic fatigue syndrome.
A lack of the vitamin can also increase tiredness as B12 is essential in the creation of red blood cells that transfer oxygen through the blood stream. Deficiencies in B12 can lead to a condition called anemia which is an inability of the body to produce sufficient red blood cells. This further reduces the bodies energy levels as existing oxygen levels that are already depleted, need to be rerouted in order to supply the brain and the functioning of the major organs.
Numbing And Tingling Sensations
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the functioning of the bodies central nervous system. Our nervous system has several essential functions that include regulating the bodies blood pressure and bladder control. It also controls the bodies muscles and our sensory nerves which carry messages to the brain to creates sensations of pain, heat and cold.
Our nerves have an outer protective coating or sheath which is maintained by vitamin B12. A lack of B12 in the body can result in the nerve coatings becoming eroded over time and exposing and damaging the nerve endings. This may lead to a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. This can result in numbness and tingling in the feet, weak muscles and sensations of shooting pain through the arms and legs.
High Homocysteine Levels
Homocysteine is a protein that is produced from an amino acid called methionine. Homocysteine occurs naturally in the body and the complex vitamins of B2, B6 and B12 help to convert this protein into a substance called glutamine (the body’s most important antioxidant) and a methyl donor called SAMe which is a an important nutrient for the body and brain functioning.
However, with a lack of the B vitamins in your diet the enzymes that turn homocysteine into beneficial substances do not work as effectively. As the homocysteine cannot be converted effectively its levels rise and too much in the body can cause heath problems
In conjunction with folic acid the B12 vitamin can help to reduce homocysteine levels. Recent studies have revealed a link between high levels of the amino acid homocysteine and higher risk of getting heart disease and stroke.
Difficulty Breathing
Shortness of breath can be linked to a number of conditions. These can include respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma or other complications linked to lung disease. Finding it difficult to breath after exerting the body can also be linked to a deficiency in nutrients such as essential vitamins. These vitamins can include the B complex vitamins, folic acid and iron. A lack of these essential nutrients and minerals can result in a condition called folic acid deficiency anemia.
B vitamins, iron and folic acid work together to produce red blood cells. These red blood cells transport much needed oxygen to the bodies main organs to energize our bodies. When the body is lacking in these nutrients a person can quickly run out of breath when walking up a flight of stairs or feel weak and dizzy.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency And Depression
The Vitamin B family are involved in the development of chemicals within the human brain that can influence our moods. According to the Mayo clinic “Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.”
A lack of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) can be due to an unhealthy diet or the body losing its capacity to absorb the vitamin efficiently. Conditions such as pernicious anemia or people who need to undergo gastrointestinal surgery due to an inflammatory bowel disorder are unable to absorb nutrients from food effectively. For example, in the case of pernicious anemia the body is unable to develop a protein called the intrinsic factor. This protein is needed to help the body absorb B12 into the body.
According to the Mayo clinic “the role of B vitamins in depression isn’t clear. If you have a vitamin deficiency, taking a supplement may help. But no supplement can replace proven depression treatments such as antidepressants and psychological counseling. ”
Increasing Vitamin B12 Levels
One of the most common reasons for a lack of vitamin B12 can be due to the diet that people eat. Fortunately, vitamin B12 can be found in red meat, particularly liver, fish, eggs, milk and cheese. Unfortunately B12 cannot be found in fruit in and vegetables. To help increase your levels of B12 you can take vitamins & supplements with your meals.
For those people who have difficulties absorbing the vitamin a B12 patch placed directly on the skin can improve absorption into the body. One of the most effective ways to absorb the vitamin is via B12 injections or shots. In this way the vitamin is injected directly into the blood stream where it can be absorbed far more quickly and efficiently.
It is uncommon to have any serious side effects or allergic reactions to taking these injections however, B12 cobalamin injections should only be prescribed by a qualified doctor or physician.
If you recognize any of these B12 warnings signs and they become persistent you should seek medical advise as soon as you possibly can.
*Reference – Holford, The New Optimal Nutrition Bible
Photo courtesy of Sarah G
Disclaimer: All material in this article is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.
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