Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the everyday functions of our body. It supports the function of our nerve cells and it’s needed for red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 helps our eyes along with our bones, hair, and skin. It has proven to help your mood and fight against depression. When my energy levels are low, I’ll usually take a B12. This is something that has always been said, but it’s not 100% true. Clinical research does not show that people can just take B-vitamin or B12 supplements or increase their levels and suddenly get more energy. There are signs your body shows you whenever you’re low on Vitamin B12. Below you can check out 8 signs you may be low on Vitamin B12.
Being Numb
Have you ever had your hands, feet, or legs go numb? Did it feel like they were on pins and needles? This can be due to a shortage of B12. This can damage the protective sheath that covers your nerves. Diseases like celiac, Crohn’s, or other gut illnesses may make it harder for your body to absorb the vitamin.
Your Body is Colder Than Usual
We all have most likely experienced a feeling of not being able to get warm. Without enough B12, you might not have enough healthy red blood cells to move oxygen. When this happens, you start to get cold and even start shivering. You will feel this in your feet and hands.
Brain Fog
A lack of B12 may lead to depression, confusion, memory problems, and dementia. B12 supplements are usually safe. For adults, doctors recommend 2.4 micrograms a day. If you take more than what you need, your body passes the rest out through your pee. Still, high doses could have some side effects, like dizziness, headache, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. Being low on Vitamin B12 can also affect your balance.
Very Weak
The lack of B12 can lead to your muscles becoming weak. You also might feel tired or lightheaded. Your doctor can check how much B12 is in your body, but not all of it may be useable. So, it’s important to pay attention to any symptoms — which can grow slowly or pop up more quickly — and to alert your doctor.
Check Your Tongue
Your doctor might call it atrophic glossitis. Tiny bumps on your tongue called papillae start to waste away. That makes it look and feel kind of smooth and glossy. Infections, medication, and other conditions can cause it, too. But if not enough B12 or other nutrients is to blame, your tongue also may be sore.
Heart Issues
Your heart suddenly races or skips a beat. This is what’s called heart palpitations. You might feel it in your throat or neck. You can get more vitamin B12 from chicken, eggs, and fish. But one of best sources by far is something that may not be a regular on your menu: beef liver.
Digestive Issues
You could lose your appetite, which also could result in you losing weight. Being low on vitamin B12 could lead to constipation also. If the condition is serious enough go, see your doctor. There are a lot of places now that can inject you with B12. But remember that symptoms of B12 deficiency can be like signs of many other illnesses.
Mouth Sores
You may get these ulcers on your gums or tongue. They could be a sign of low B12, anemia, or another condition. The sores usually clear up on their own, but it helps to avoid ingredients that might be irritating or painful.
What Can Cause You Being Low on Vitamin B12?
There are a couple of factors that could lead to you to be low on vitamin B12. One of them is your age because your body may not absorb B12 easily as you get older. If left untreated, it could lead to nerve damage, anemia, or other serious problems. The other one is when people get weight loss surgery. One of the more common weight loss operations is called “gastric bypass.” After the surgery, food bypasses parts of your stomach and small intestine. That’s usually where B12 breaks down into usable form. Your doctor will monitor your B12 levels and suggest supplements or shots if you need them.
