It's rare to think that symptoms like dizziness or depression are related to a vitamin deficiency, but that can be the case when it comes to vitamin B12.
Without enough vitamin B12, our body suffers, and the loss of energy is noticeable. Since it plays a key role in converting carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy, it is necessary to have an adequate level of vitamin B12 in order to use all the energy from food.
As it is found in available products, the lack of this vitamin is not a common phenomenon, but there are vulnerable groups, such as vegetarians, vegans and those suffering from anemia.
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is water-soluble and is found in foods such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products. Its key role is to protect us from anemia, the main culprit for feeling tired and weak, i.e. to provide the body with enough red blood cells that will successfully transport oxygen throughout the body. Therefore, experts advise to check the level of this vitamin in the body regularly, especially if you have problems with digestion, are getting old or consume alcohol, writes Ordination.
Here are the symptoms that will reveal a lack of vitamin B12 in the body:
Dizziness
If you often lose your balance and dizziness occurs just as often, you should see a doctor. Dizziness is often a symptom of low blood pressure, which is a frequent consequence of vitamin deficiency.
Vision problems
Be careful if this symptom occurs because it can also be a consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency. This essential vitamin serves for the proper functioning of the nerves, and a deficiency can damage the optic nerve, which transmits information and signals from the eye to the brain.
Memory problems
Never ignore this change as it may indicate problems that require a doctor's examination. Likewise, vitamin B12 deficiency can result in a mild form of dementia, which is by no means a small problem.
Depression
Although it is not completely clear how vitamin B12 affects the development of such a complex disease as depression, some studies say that a lack of vitamin B12 in the body is observed in patients. For this reason, therapists often prescribe 1mg of this vitamin to patients with depression.
Diarrhea and bloating
Due to insufficient absorption of this vitamin, the cells in the digestive system cannot receive a sufficient amount of oxygen, which can lead to problems such as diarrhea, bloating, constipation, loss of appetite or weight gain.
Weakness in the muscles
Weakness in the muscles is a clear symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency because they too will not receive enough oxygen to be able to perform all the daily activities.
How to find out if you lack vitamin B12?
The simplest way to check if your body lacks vitamin B12 is through a blood test.
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