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Ways to Spot B12 Deficiency and What to Do

By Sandy Schroeder

With fast-paced schedules and many home and work commitments, most of us are not surprised that we sometimes feel tired. But if that fatigue carries certain red flags and just never goes away, you may want to check for Vitamin B12 deficiency and learn what to do about it.

Red Flags to Spot

How do you know if you've got a Vitamin B12 deficiency? Be on the lookout for the following, according to Prevention.com.

You sleep well, but can barely stay awake in the afternoon - Prevention tells us fatigue is one of the first signs of B12 deficiency because the body relies on the vitamin to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the organs. Without enough oxygen in your cells, you'll feel tired no matter how long you sleep. If you are continually fatigued see your doctor to see if you need B12 or if there are other health issues.

You experience changes in your body - Harvard Health says anemia, a swollen inflamed tongue, and yellowed skin can be indicators that you're not getting enough B12.

You may be experiencing strange sensations - Prevention says numbness, pins and needles sensations, or electricity streaks running from head to feet can all be nerve damage symptoms triggered by low oxygen in the cells due to B12 deficiency.

You put your phone in the fridge - You may find yourself absent-mindedly spacing out and placing keys, phone, and other objects in unusual places, according to PreventionHarvard Health says other B12 deficiency symptoms may include  fuzzy thinking or memory loss, and paranoia or hallucinations.

Everything Seems Out of Whack - Prevention says lacking B12 can make you feel dizzy just walking up the stairs, or getting up suddenly. You may feel wobbly and weak.

Blurry Vision or Double Vision May Show Up - A serious lack of B12 can damage the optic nerve, plugging the blood vessels in the retina, causing blurry or double vision, light sensitivity and even loss of sight.

When To See Your Doctor

Harvard Health says see your doctor to check B12 levels if you are over 50, on a proton-pump inhibitor or H2 blocker, or if you're diabetic, a strict vegetarian, had weight loss surgery, or are showing symptoms.

What Will Happen Next

According to Harvard Health, a serious Vitamin B12 deficiency can be corrected with weekly shots of Vitamin B12 or a high-dose B12 pill taken daily. A mild B12 deficiency can typically be fixed with a standard multivitamin.

They say it is also important to note that in many cases, a Vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented. If you are a strict vegetarian or vegan, it’s important to eat breads, cereals, or other grains that have been fortified with Vitamin B12, or take a daily supplement. A standard multivitamin provides 6 micrograms, which covers most people's daily need.

If you are over 50, the Institute of Medicine encourages getting extra B12 from a supplement; the body may lose its ability to absorb enough of the vitamin through food.

As with many things, the first step is to see your doctor and review your B12 symptoms and questions.

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