Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that the body uses to keep the nervous system healthy, and to create healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of the body. The bone marrow uses vitamin B12 to create red blood cells, and then distribute those cells to the organs that need them. A deficiency in vitamin B12 is normally diagnosed with a physical examination and a blood test.
Nervous System Symptoms
The body needs the various B-complex vitamins in order to maintain a healthy nervous system. Without sufficient vitamin B12 in your diet you will begin to notice changes to your mood, and you will also start to develop anxieties for what appears to be no reason at all. You may find yourself becoming anxious or even nervous at random moments, and you may also experience an increase in your sense of worry and dread. It is also possible that depression may set in as well. You may also begin to experience confusion and memory loss. You could also start to get tingling feelings in your hands and feet that may lead to numbness.
Fatigue
One of the symptoms of a deficiency of the B12 vitamin is fatigue even after sleeping for several hours. You may develop a lack of concentration due to continued fatigue, and you may feel tired constantly. You may also notice that your ability to sleep may be hindered as well. You may find it difficult to fall asleep, and once asleep you may wake up at random moments throughout the night.
Digestive Symptoms
A deficiency in the B12 vitamin will start to show itself in your eating habits, and also in some very uncomfortable digestive side effects. You may begin to lose your appetite, and when you stop eating you may begin to experience weight loss. You could have bouts with diarrhea, and you may also begin to experience heartburn. You might get feelings of nausea that may lead to vomiting. You may also begin to experience problems with bloating and gas. There may also be bouts with constipation.
Color
If you are suffering from a deficiency in vitamin B12 then you may start to notice your skin getting pale and chalky. Your tongue may also become a brighter red, and it may also start to get thicker.
Liver
One of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is a enlarging of the liver. This can start to cause pain in the middle of your back, and it could also lead to abdominal discomfort as well. The liver is normally the organ that stores vitamin B12 for the body, so if the liver is no longer functioning properly then the vitamin B12 is not reaching the organs that need it. One of the areas that needs vitamin B12 is the bowels. Without vitamin B12 bowel movements could become painful.
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