Vitamin B 12 Deficiency?

Severe vitamin B 12 deficiency inhibits the body’s ability to make blood. It hastens blood cell destruction and damages the nervous system. Perniciuos anemia is the result of vitamin B 12 deficiency caused by a lack of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is secreted in the stomach, which aids in the absorption of the vitamin in the small intestine.

One of the first symptoms of vitamin B 12 deficiency is often fatigue. Other symptoms associated with severe vitamin B12 deficiency are: burning of the tongue, weakness, loss of appetite, alternating constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, menstrual symptoms, psychological symptoms, numbness and tingling in the extremities such as the feet and hands. Healthcare professionals can test to determine B 12 deficiency at early stages before the resultant anemia.

Are You At Risk?

Although any one could be at risk for vitamin B 12 deficiency several groups merit special mention. Dr. David L. Brown in an article reported in the American Family Physician, March 1, 2003, indicated that people that use gastric acid blocking agents are at potential risk of developing vitamin B 12 deficiency.

Another group that is at risk of vitamin B 12 deficiencies are vegans (vegetarians who also abstain from eggs, dairy, and other animal products). Vitamin B 12 is found in significant amounts only in animal protein foods. The vegan diet avoids animal proteins and supplements are suggested as strict vegans often develop a dietary deficiency of vitamin B 12 although it is often many years before the deficiency becomes severe enough to cause the symptoms to be diagnosed.

If you are concerned about the possibility of being deficient you should consult your doctor. A simple vitamin supplement may be all that you need.

For more information on Vitamin B 12 visit http://www.sublingualvitaminb12.blogspot.com

Tim Eutin is the President of The Rock Marketing Group and has been interested in vitamin supplements for many years. His blog and personal testimony on the effects of sublingual vitamin B-12 can be found at http://www.sublingualvitaminb12.blogspot.com

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