What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency, also known as anaemia, is a condition where your body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. The B12 vitamin is needed to create red blood cells, which transport oxygen to all parts of the human body. Without a large enough quantity of red blood cells, your tissues and organs will not receive enough oxygen, which can make people extremely tired. You might ask yourself, who suffers from B12 deficiency and what are some of the symptoms? Fear not, we have answers to your questions below.

Who suffers from B12 deficiency?

B12 deficiency is common when following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as B12 is only found naturally in animal foods. Additionally, B12 deficiency is extremely common in elderly people. This is because, when you age your ability to absorb vitamin B12 often decreases.

What are symptoms of B12 deficiency?

According to John Hopkins Medicine there are a variety of symptoms associated with B12 deficiency, however, each person’s symptoms may of course vary. Some symptoms include:

• Weak muscles
• Numb or tingling feeling in hands and feet
• Trouble walking
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Irritability
• Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
• Diarrhoea
• Smooth and tender tongue
• Fast heart rate

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in red blood cell formation and metabolism, nerve function and the production of DNA. If you have a vegetarian or vegan diet or are experiencing the symptoms associated with B12 deficiency, we recommend that you consult a doctor. Taking B12 supplements can prevent people from having a B12 deficiency or from developing anaemia in the long-term.

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