Everything You Need to Know about Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms

If you are feeling low on energy and fatigued, this could be a symptom of Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Also known as cobalamin, Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient that is only found in animal foods, although synthetic supplementation is also available.

Vitamin B12 also plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. NeuroGum Nootropic Caffeine Gum is a sugar free energy gum that contains 40 mg Caffeine, 60 mg L Theanine and B12 vitamin.

Extensive research into the Vitamin B-12 has recently displayed many awesome truths about this the most structurally complex of all the vitamins.

What is Vitamin B-12?

Vitamin B-12 is a nutrient that plays an important role in the metabolism of energy in healthy cells and amino acids in fatty acids. Then there are a many other physiological processes that depend on Vitamin B-12 for optimal function. The formation of red blood cells and the production of myelin sheaths that insulate nerves are two such examples. Proper brain function, the health of the central nervous system as well as DNA synthesis and regulation are all improved with proper Vitamin B12 intake. 

As important as B12 is to human life, it is surprisingly unique in its production. It can’t be found in plants, animals or even fungi. The only known source of this essential vitamin is a specific bacteria. According to the DRI, or daily recommended intake, 2 -3 micrograms a day is more than enough for the average adult.

Nevertheless, recent research has shown that the body can only absorb 1.5 mcg (micrograms) total at any one feeding time.  This is an important fact to consider when calculating your daily nutrient intake. If you are afraid you aren’t getting enough B12 in your daily diet, consider supplementing to ensure adequate intake. It’s also good to know that it is impossible to ingest a harmful excess of B-12 as whatever the body does not need it will eliminate.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency should be a concern when calculating your nutritional needs.

What is Considered B-12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B-12 is taken from the foods or supplements we eat every day. A healthy adult can store enough B12 to last them over 3 - 5 years. A total of 2 to 5 grams is all that will be needed due to the liver’s capacity to use and recycle B12 with incredible efficiency.

More than half of the body’s stored B-12 is held in the liver. This is why evidence of deficiency can take a considerable amount of time before making itself evident. Blood testing will be important to ascertain the correct levels of B12 and ensure that they are sufficient to maintain the brain and CNS (Central Nervous System) in optimal health. If not it is very simple for conditions to arise from improper levels of B12.

What is Vitamin B-12 Deficiency?

As B12 nutrients begin to decline conditions of deficiency are more likely to occur. This can take a few years before the condition can be fully measured in the blood. According to studies there are four stages of a B12 deficiency characterized by specific conditions, as follow:

Stage 1 - Blood levels of B12 decrease and cell stores are depleted.

Stage 2 - Cellular levels decrease

Stage 3 - B12 has reached a state of functional imbalance. This is where levels of homocysteine/MMA are increased in the blood and DNS sees a decreased rate of synthesis. This may be years later but this stage can be tested and compared with other conditions and symptoms to ascertain the extent of the condition.

Stage 4 - Clinical symptoms of B12 Deficiency become more apparent. These can include peripheral neuropathy, macrocytic anemia and other neurological symptoms. Many of the symptoms of old age like cognitive decline memory loss as well as the loss of balance and mobility are also related to a significant B-12 deficiency.

What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency?

Knowing what the most common symptoms of Vitamin B-12 deficiency are is one of the best ways to avoid this unhealthy and possibly debilitating condition. It can take many years before the deficiency can be detected by blood testing, so it’s also important to know that the symptoms themselves can be mild and undetected as B-12 levels diminish.

·         Megaloblastic Anemia — this second type of anemia can impede the production of red blood cells in bone marrow.

·     Neurological Conditions —such as schizophrenia, confusion, disorientation or depression. Many of the damages of the conditions are irreversible.

·         Sexual Dysfunction — low libdio, ED, low sperm count, low levels of sex hormones

·         Insomnia

·         Fatigue

·         Spinal cord/myelin sheath degeneration.

·         Paresthesia (tingling sensation in hands, feet, limbs).

·         Itchy skin.

What Are the Causes a Vitamin B-12 Deficiency?

To avoid a Vitamin B12 deficiency, sufficiency amounts of the nutrient must be absorbed by the body. In addition to an insufficient quantity of B12 in the diet there are some other physical conditions that can impede this process and result in a b12 deficiency. Following are some of these causes:

Insufficient Consumption

Vitamin B12 can only be found in animal products and supplements, without which a deficiency can ensue. Vegan and vegetarian diets are severely lacking in this essential vitamin and require proper supplementation to offset this imbalance. Children can present less reserves of B12 and also absorb the nutrient less efficiently; thus, they require higher daily intakes.  

Low Stomach Acids

Without sufficient Hydrochloric Acid in the stomach, B12 can’t be fully assimilated from the proteins in which it is found. Low HCI is a common occurrence in the elderly who commonly present conditions of low stomach acid.

Other causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:

·         Celiac Disease — when the small intestines become damaged, they are less able to absorb B12.

·      Bad Bacterial Populations — certain intestinal flora can obstruct the absorption of B12 when their populations reach critical levels.

·    Medications — certain medications, for example Metformin that treats diabetic condition, can interfere with the absorption of B12.

·       Parasitic Infections — Giardiasis can leach the nutrient and prevent it from becoming absorbed by the small intestine. 

·          Alcohol — excessive consumption of alcohol can reduce the body’s capacity to absorb B12.

In Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is an essential part of the human dietary intake that affects many of the body's vital processes. It is important to meet recommended intake levels daily of B12, in order to optimize and improve brain function, neurological health and the formation of red blood cells