It is really important to be aware of symptoms that may be caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency sooner than later. Since the effects can be cumulative, it is easy to just chalk them up to aging when they are only mild to moderate.
There are many vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms , but some of the more common ones include fatigue, trouble thinking clearly, bleeding gums, moodiness, nervousness, lightheaded, and constipation. More serious long term symptoms can include heart disease, stroke, and dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. Let's take a look at a few of these symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Fatigue can be caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency because this vitamin plays a key role in the production of red blood cells. These blood cells help to properly transport oxygen throughout our bodies. Not only is this oxygen necessary for energy, a low number of red blood cells causes anemia. When you are anemic you may feel lethargic and weak. A B-12 deficiency can also contribute to feelings of tiredness because this vitamin helps us metabolize our food adequately. Proper metabolization of the food we eat helps break down carbohydrates into glucose.
Glucose gives you energy when it is released into your system.
Another one of the vitamin B-12 deficiency symptoms is mood irregularity. Mood swings, nervousness, and feeling depressed can be related to low levels of this often ignored nutrient. Vitamin B12 helps our brains produce serotonin, which is a brain chemical that helps us feel good. B12 also helps in the manufacture of melatonin, which helps regulate our sleep. Also, this vitamin assists in properly maintaining our nervous system overall which is important for good mental health.