Here are 9 health benefits of vitamin B12:
- Aids in red blood cell formation and prevents anemia
- May bolster bone health and ward off osteoporosis
- Helps prevent major birth defects
- Lowers the risk of macular degeneration
- Benefits the brain by preventing neuron loss
- Enhances mood and alleviates symptoms of depression
- Provides an energy boost
- Promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails
- Improves heart health by reducing homocysteine levels
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- White spots on the skin
- Heart palpitations
- An itchy, tingling tongue
- Constipation
- Exhaustion
- Muscle weakness
- Irritability and depression
- A diminished sense of taste
- Mouth sores
- Pins and needles sensation (paresthesia)
- Eye twitching
Some symptoms may occur even when there is no Vitamin B12 deficiency, so it is crucial to consult a doctor immediately upon their onset.
White Spots Due to Vitamin B12 Deficiency
One of the initial signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency is the emergence of white spots on the skin, which can appear anywhere, although they are often first noticed on the hands. These spots, resulting from decreased melatonin which affects skin pigmentation, may dry out and flake over time.
They are frequently overlooked as they develop gradually on the forearms and are more visible when Vitamin B12 levels are sufficient.
Neuropathy from Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause unpleasant sensations in the legs, resembling pins and needles, and may even lead to numbness. This condition, known as neuropathy, alters nerve connections and can be intensely painful for some individuals.
These sensations can also manifest as sharp pains in the palms or vibrations in the feet, accompanied by a decreased sensitivity to touch.
Mouth Symptoms and Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Symptoms like an itchy tongue and sores around the lips may indicate a Vitamin B12 deficiency. The itchiness can be intense, leading to a persistent urge to scratch the edge or tip of the tongue, while mouth sores typically develop at the corners of the mouth and can be quite sore and uncomfortable.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Reduced Sense of Taste
Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation, and its insufficiency can cause anemia. Anemia may result in a diminished sense of taste and other symptoms such as muscle weakness, depression, paresthesia, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, impaired vision, and irritability.
Risk Factors for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Older adults
- Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
- Those who have undergone gastrointestinal surgeries, such as bowel resection or bariatric surgery
- People using metformin for blood sugar control
- Strict vegans
- Individuals with chronic heartburn who use proton pump inhibitors
Considerations for Side Effects and Safety
Vitamin B12 is generally considered safe, even in large doses, whether taken orally, applied to the skin, sprayed into the nose, or administered via injection.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnant women are advised to consume 2.6 mcg per day.
Breastfeeding women should limit their intake to no more than 2.8 mcg per day.
It is recommended to avoid a combination of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folate following the placement of a coronary stent, as this mix may increase the risk of blood vessel constriction.
Vitamin B12 should not be used if you have any of the following conditions:
Leber's disease, as it may severely damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness.
Megaloblastic anemia, characterized by abnormal red blood cells.
Polycythemia vera, a condition with an excessive number of red blood cells.
Comments
Post a Comment