Symptoms of B12 Deficiency | Common Causes of B12 Deficiency

While Americans have been faithful in their required daily intake of Vitamin B12, health researchers however found that there is still a good chance for deficiency if a person is unable to absorb B12 from his food intake and no supplement is being taken.  This is common among people who have stomach disorders limiting their B12 absorption.  The following are some of the symptoms of B12 deficiency.

1.     Breathlessness

2.     Poor Immune System

3.     Tiredness

4.     Menstrual problems for women

5.     Sore Tongue

Contraindications

While Vitamin B12 is usually sourced from natural food and its intake generally safe, taking in large doses of B12 supplements can have negative effects for people who are on medication.

A person who is taking in PPI or proton pump inhibitors (medication for peptic ulcer as well as GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease) and the intake of H2 receptor antagonists (medications for peptic ulcers) may have a problem with B12 absorption as PPI slows down the discharge of hydrochloric acid which is necessary in releasing B12.  On the other hand, the intake of Metformin for diabetes can also affect calcium metabolism which in turn interferes with B12 absorption.

While the intake of B12 supplements is generally safe due to its low toxicity potential, it should however be regulated by doctors for safety purposes.   Adults are particularly encouraged to take in B12 supplements as their potential for low B12 absorption is greater.

The problem in diagnosing deficiency in Vitamin B12 is that it can take so long for the symptoms and the corresponding side effects to be monitored.  And when that time comes, the effects may already be too serious and require long term treatment.