Signs of B12 Deficiency

Day 9 Baby!! Hoping you have been inspired this last week and half with simple inspirations and information to help you build the level of health, life and living you after?!

B12 is our topic today…

A B12 deficiency can sometimes be difficult to detect, especially since doctors often over look symptoms of vitamin  B12 deficiency, even when you have had blood work done.  It is important to remember that some people develop severe B12 vitamin deficiency symptoms even when their blood tests in the borderline levels or low normal.  When a patient is complaining of serious symptoms, most physicians don’t consider that it could be something as simple as a moderate vitamin deficiency.

So what are some symptoms of B12 vitamin deficiency?

  • Pale skin – white spots may develop on the skin from melatonin becoming absent
  • Diarrhea or Constipation
  • Gums that bleed in the absence of other dental problems
  • Concentration problems
  • Rapid Heartbeat
  • Inability to catch breath, particularly when exercising
  • Memory loss
  • Loss of the sense of smell
  • Numbness in hands and Feet
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Fatigue and Low Energy Levels
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty handing stress and feeling overwhelmed

Of course, if you have these symptoms, they could be caused by many things other than B12 deficiency.  However, you could be experiencing severe vitamin B12 deficiency anemia symptoms so it is important to consult your doctor.

If you do have low B12 levels, most likely your doctor will recommend that you take B12 injections.  These B12 shots can be given in the doctor’s office, or your doctor can give them to you in pre-filled shots that you can take home and give yourself.  I don’t usually recommend this to my clients as a first choice.

Taking B12 capsules to swallow is typically not recommended for those with low levels of vitamin B12. This is because the body has difficulty in absorbing high volumes of b12 at one time.  When you take a B12 pill that is 200mg, your body will only absorb 1.8 micrograms.  For some people, the amount will be even less.  The absorption of vitamin B12 is a very complex biological process and many people have issues with proper absorption.  This is especially true as we age.  Because the B12 is sent directly to your blood stream and therefore eliminates any issues that you might have with absorption, a B12 shot is considered superior and is the doctor preferred method of eliminating vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

In my practice I am a big fan and have seen amazing results in my clients from using a sub-lingual form of B12 in a dosage of 2000mcg, and depending on the person given 1-4 times daily  Here in York Region my go-to brands are from Biotics Research and Trophic both available at Ambrosia, Nature’s Emporium and you can purchase Biotics here at Simplicity Yoga & Fitness Therapy Studio.

I begin with this form of B12 for the first 2-4 months, along with an additional daily B complex and full evaluation of their body, lifestyle and sense of self, joy, passion and love in life. The most important tool for me as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist is asking them how they FEEL, if all is going well and energy is up and their initial symptoms have subsided I will stay with the course for another 2-4 months and then have them re-do their blood work to see where we are at.

Hope this has helped you to understand more about low B12 symptoms and how you can help to better manage it!

Stay tuned tomorrow when I share a blog about your B12 foods to enjoy too!

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