Our body often signals internal disorders before serious complications develop. One such condition is vitamin B12 deficiency, which can manifest itself with nonspecific, at first glance, symptoms.
This was stated by Suraj Kukadia, a doctor from the National Health Service of Great Britain , reports the Daily Express .
According to the doctor, a lack of vitamin B12 can be accompanied by tingling in the limbs, confusion, memory problems, muscle weakness. Another characteristic symptom is a painful and inflamed tongue.
The NHS notes that B12 deficiency can manifest as shortness of breath, digestive disorders, decreased appetite and rapid heartbeat.
Sometimes a vitamin deficiency is caused by an unbalanced diet. However, more often the cause is pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks stomach cells and prevents normal absorption of vitamin B12.
The most vulnerable are women around 60 years old, people with a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases or with concomitant diagnoses.
Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells, nervous system function, and overall metabolism. Adults ages 19 to 64 need approximately 1.5 micrograms of this vitamin per day.
The main sources of vitamin B12:
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meat;
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fish;
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milk;
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cheese;
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eggs;
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fortified breakfast cereals.
Since fruits, vegetables, and most grains are low in vitamin B12, vegans may find it more difficult to meet their daily requirement through diet alone. In such cases, it is a good idea to consult a doctor about the appropriateness of taking supplements.
