What are the health signs of vitamin B-12 deficiencies?
Over time, a deficiency in either B12 or folate can lead to macrocytic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of fewer, but larger red blood cells and a decreased ability to carry oxygen. Patients who have this condition may tire easily, be weak, and be short of breath. A deficiency in B12 can also result in varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the patient’s hands and feet and mental changes such as confusion, irritability, and depression.
being tired a lot. at least that’s what it was with me
References :
* Loss of appetite
* Diarrhea
* Numbness and tingling of hands and feet
* Paleness
* Shortness of breath
* Fatigue
* Weakness
* Sore mouth and tongue
* Confusion or change in mental status in severe or advanced cases
References :
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000574.htm#Symptoms
get a b-12 injection. whatever changes you feel will be the opposite of the health signs of b-12 deficiency.
References :
Over time, a deficiency in either B12 or folate can lead to macrocytic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of fewer, but larger red blood cells and a decreased ability to carry oxygen. Patients who have this condition may tire easily, be weak, and be short of breath. A deficiency in B12 can also result in varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the patient’s hands and feet and mental changes such as confusion, irritability, and depression.
References :
http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/vitaminb12.html
My wife is vitamin B12 deficient. the illness is called pernicious anemia. Constant tiredness is the main symptom. Try typing the question into Google and research the numerous sites with info on there.
References :
Diagnosis of B12 deficiency
Serum B12 levels are often low in B12 deficiency, but there does not exist a robust assay, and if other features of B12 deficiency are present then the diagnosis must not be discounted. One possible explanation for normal B12 levels in B12 deficiency is antibody interference in people with high titres of intrinsic factor antibody.[9] Bone marrow aspiration, serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels can also be helpful
Treatment of B12 deficiency
Traditionally, treatment for B12 deficiency was through intramuscular injections of cyanocobalamin. However, it has recently been appreciated that deficiency can be treated with oral B12 supplements when given in sufficient doses. When given in oral doses ranging from 0.1–2 mg daily, B12 can be absorbed in a pathway that does not require an intact ileum or intrinsic factor.[11][12] The Schilling test can determine whether symptoms of B12 deficiency are caused by lack of intrinsic factor, though this is being performed less often due to the lack of availability of reagent for the test
References :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B-12#Diagnosis_of_B12_deficiency
Many cells in our body need vitamin B-12, including nerve cells and blood cells. Inadequate vitamin B-12 gradually affects sensory and motor nerves, causing neurological problems to develop over time. It is important to know that the neurological effects of vitamin B-12 deficiency may be seen before anemia is diagnosed.
The anemia also affects the gastrointestinal system and the cardiovascular system. The following symptoms may indicate pernicious anemia:
shortness of breath
fatigue
pallor
rapid heart rate
loss of appetite
diarrhea
tingling and numbness of hands and feet
sore mouth
unsteady gait, especially in the dark
tongue problems
impaired sense of smell
bleeding gums
positive Babinski’s reflex
loss of deep tendon reflexes
personality changes, "megaloblastic madness"
References :
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000569.htm