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.
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