Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water soluble vitamin which is essential for proper functioning of our body. Its deficiency can lead to physical, psychological and mental symptoms that can affect your day to day life. Despite its importance, many people are unaware of how easy it is to reduce this vitamin, especially if your diet is lacking in animal products. Over time, this deficiency can sprinkle you, bringing many symptoms with it that may be confused to identify. So, how do you know if you are running less on this nutrient? If you have this question in your mind, read to know 5 signs that your body is low on vitamin B12.
Also read: B Vitamin Reduction in adolescents: Preliminary Studies
Photo Credit: Pexle
Why is vitamin B12 important?
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps your body in many ways. It helps in making your DNA and red blood cells. In addition, it is also necessary to develop your central nervous system – including your brain and spinal cord. In addition, it is important to keep your hair, nails and skin healthy. The part of the trick about this nutrient is that our body does not naturally produce it, so we need the right foods to meet our nutritional requirements.
Here are 5 signs that you reduce vitamin B12 in your body
1. Feel tired all the time
One of the most common signs of vitamin B12 deficiency is that you will feel constantly tired. This is because your body does not produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your organs, causing persistent fatigue. You may feel that you are tired throughout the day, even if you have found all night sleep. If you are experiencing this, it may be an indication that you are less on vitamin B12.
2. Sensational in hands and feet
When your body is less than Vitamin B12, you may feel a burning sensation or pin-end-sui sensation in your hands and feet. This is because this nutrient deficiency can damage the protective sheath which covers your nerves. According to the 2019 paper published in The Journal of Diabetes, diabetic patients taking metformin have a high risk of experienceing this tingling sensation.
3. Yellow skin
Another sign of B12 deficiency is yellow and slightly yellow skin, which may seem as you have jaundice. When you are low on B12, your body struggles to produce healthy red blood cells that leads to anemia and according to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, your skin looks yellow. Result? Your skin loses its pink-red color.
4. Depression and mood swinging
If you are feeling below or unusually irritated, it can mean just more than a bad day. When you are low on vitamin B12, it can increase sulfur -containing amino acids in your body, which in turn contributes to the development of depression. Therefore, if your mood is everywhere, it can be due to vitamin B12 deficiency in your body.
5. Brain fogging
Struggle to remember minutes details from everyday life? It can then be due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Since vitamin B12 directly affects your brain and central nervous system, its deficiency may make you feel mild head and foggy in the brain. If you are constantly on memory issues, it may be an indication that your body is not getting enough B12 to function normally.
How to deal with vitamin B12 deficiency naturally?
As mentioned earlier, our body does not produce vitamin B12 nutrients, so it is important to have foods and beverages to meet our daily requirements. Here are some easy suggestions to handle this deficiency naturally:
1. Eat more vitamin B12 rich foods
The easiest way to include vitamin B12 nutrients in your diet is to eat rich foods in it. Add animal-based foods such as eggs, fish and dairy products to your everyday food. If you are a vegetarian, include options like cheese, curd, stronghold foods, mushrooms etc. to meet your B12 needs.
2. Add nutrition yeast to your diet
Nutrition yeast is a popular vitamin B12 source if you are a vegetarian. Its versatility and cheese taste make it a versatile addition to soup, salad and even pasta.
3. Take a b12 supplement
If you are struggling to get enough B12 through food, the supplement can be practical. However, consult your doctor before taking them.
4. Focus on intestine health
Good intestine health is important to efficiently absorb vitamin B12. Add probiotic foods like yogurt to your diet for a healthy and happy digestive system.
Also read: 5 home remedies to prevent vitamin C deficiency (within dishes)
5. Choose stronghold foods
Many food products such as plant-based milk, grains, etc. are strengthened with vitamin B12. These foods are particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegetarians and can help meet your dietary needs.
Disclaimer: This material including advice only provides general information. This is not an alternative to qualified medical opinion in any way. Always consult an expert or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
