Vitamin B-12 Deficiency – The Insidious Foe

Not many (if any) people think about their vitamin B12 levels on a regular basis. However, there are significant health risks associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency, including depression, paranoia, delusions, memory loss and incontinence, among others. To make matters worse, a B12 deficiency is quite sneaky. You may not even realize you have it until you’re very sick. ~ Wellness

(Let’s) talk about why B-12 is not being absorbed in your body. Unless you’re a vegan you’re getting enough from the diet okay but the problem is usually the absorption, not from the diet. More

 

B12 Deficiency can be very hard to diagnose, and these 7 signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency can help. Many doctors don’t think of B12 deficiency as the cause of these 7 symptoms, but these symptoms can be the canary in the coalmine. If you have any of these 7 symptoms you should go see your doctor for a full panel of relevant labs, but you might remind your doctor not to forget to check for Vitamin B12.  More

Don’t Let a B12 Deficiency Sneak Up – Wellness

Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in vegetarians and individuals who’ve had weight-loss surgery. However, anyone can develop the condition. The symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, such as weakness, fatigue and numbness, may sneak up and can mimic other health conditions. Therefore, it’s vital to seek help early on or just have those levels checked regularly. Let’s look at the science.

The Importance of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient that affects every cell in the body. It helps replicate DNA during cell production, keeps the body’s nerves and blood cells healthy, helps prevent anemia, birth defects, osteoporosis and macular degeneration. Additionally, it can improve mood and cognition. It helps prevent heart disease and supports healthy hair, skin and nails. It may even provide us with energy.

In most cases, people get enough vitamin B12 from the foods they eat. However, as much as 15% of the population may have a deficiency. Those most commonly affected are older adults, those with pernicious anemia, people who’ve had gastrointestinal surgery and vegetarians/vegans who do not use nutritional yeast or other sources.

Read More