What is B12?
B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and is essential for our body's vital functions. Usually, B12 is found together with other B vitamins as a complex. Even though B12 can be found in many food substances that we eat, certain lifestyle habits and medical conditions may result in B12 deficiencies.
What is B12 deficiency?
B 12 deficiency occurs when your body does not have enough of this vitamin. The red blood cells production is regulated by this vitamin B12 and therefore a deficiency can lead to a blood disorder known as ‘pernicious anemia’, in which the red blood cells decrease in number and size. These red blood cells will find it hard to carry oxygen to different parts of the body and will lead to different symptoms and signs. The most common reasons for this condition are disturbances of B12 absorption in the gut and vegan or vegetarian diet.
Symptoms of B12 deficiency:
Muscle weakness
Shaky movements
Unsteady gait
Stiff or rigid muscles
Urinary incontinence
Low blood pressure
Vision problems
Dementia
Mood disturbances
Pale skin
Red tongue
Bleeding gums
Weight loss and
Diarrhea and constipations