B12 Deficiency Symptoms

Many people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency don't see symptoms until they have been eating a diet that is low in B12. While vitamin B12 is water-soluble, it is unique in that it is not easily excreted in the urine. Instead, b12 accumulates in the kidneys and liver. For this reason, you may think you're getting enough B12 in your diet until all in a sudden, without any change in your dietary habits, you start exhibiting symptoms of a B12 deficiency. This is why a B12 deficiency is so easily missed.

The majority of vitamin B12 deficiencies manifest as pernicious anemia, a disease in which red blood cells are abnormally large and immature. This disease is quite serious. Other medical complications that are associated with low levels of vitamin B12 are asthma, depression and low sperm count.

B12 deficiencies occur for two reasons. The obvious reason for a vitamin deficiency is a diet low in that particular vitamin, but the other common cause of B12 deficiencies is the body's inability to absorb this vitamin. Even average people need a high level of B12 in the diet for the necessary amount to get absorbed.

Characteristic Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
You may have a vitamin B12 deficiency if you experience recurring fatigue, muscle weakness, constipation, depression, chronic memory loss or neurological dysfunctions such as numb digits or tingling in extremities.

Most vitamin B12 deficiencies can be remedied with dietary changes, vitamin B12 supplements or vitamin B12 injections. If you or a loved one is showing signs of depression, dementia, Alzheimer's or other memory-loss impairments, you should ask your doctor to test for a vitamin B12 deficiency. You may be able to reverse these serious memory impairments with something as simple as supplements or injections.