Are You Protected Against a B-12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B-12 deficiencies can be damaging, so it’s important to be aware, and protect yourself.

Common symptoms and problems related to Vitamin B-12 Deficiency fall intothree categories: Neurological (nerve-related), digestive tract, blood-related. Most common, and perhaps most worrisome, are the nerve problems.

The good news is that you can avoid it with a high-quality vitamin supplement, but how do you know what to look out for, and if you are at a higher risk of a B-12 deficiency?

Who is at increased risk:

• Older individuals
• Some autoimmune disorders
• Crohn’s disease
• Gastric bypass or gastric sleeve
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Strict vegans
• Poor eating habits

Here’s more about the 3 categories of symptoms related to B-12 deficiency:

Neurological effects:

Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to nerve damage which can sometimes be irreversible.

Examples:

• tingling and numbness in your hands and feet
• muscle weakness
• loss of reflexes
• unsteadiness, loss of balance, trouble walking

Severe cases can have:

• confusion
• dementia
• depression
• memory loss

Digestive tract effects:

• nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
• vomiting
• heartburn
• abdominal bloating and gas
• constipation or diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• an enlarged liver

Blood-related effects:

Finally, B-12 deficiency can cause hematological (blood-related) problems:

• weakness
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• palpitations (feeling that the heart is beating either too hard or too fast, or skipping a beat, or fluttering.

*Many symptoms can be caused by other deficiencies and diseases.  Do not assume that a B-12 deficiency is the cause. Always consult your doctor.

It can take as long as a year of low B-12 intake before symptoms appear or low numbers show up in your lab results. Get your labs done regularly, as recommended.

Always consult your doctor if you think you have a B-12 deficiency or are at a higher risk for deficiency.

For most bariatric patients, if your labs are good, OPURITY® Bariatric Multis provide excellent levels of B-12.   No need to add more B-12 to your diet unless advised by medical professional.

If you are at risk, taking Vitamin B-12 everyday can help safeguard and prevent negative effects of a deficiency.