Vitamin B12 is a crucial ingredient for the healthy running of the body, as it’s needed to make red blood cells. Signs of a deficiency can develop very slowly, so it may be difficult to diagnose the condition.
People with undiagnosed symptoms should consider that they may have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
While it’s unlikely that your symptoms are caused by the condition, there are still many people that have a lack of B12.
A quick blood test could reveal whether you should be adding more B12 to your diet.
You should consider speaking to a doctor about a B12 deficiency if you notice any of the key warning signs of the condition.
It can be very difficult to know if you’re at risk of the deficiency, warned the Harvard Medical School.
In fact, it can only be diagnosed officially after having a blood test, and most of the symptoms may be easily mistaken for something else.
One of the most common signs of a B12 deficiency is having a tingling in your hands or feet.
The symptom – which is often known as pins and needles – has often been described as having a numbness, or strange feeling in the extremities.
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The condition could also lead to difficulty walking, or even a persistent tiredness or fatigue.
Some patients have also reported a swollen tongue, which may make your taste buds disappear.
Difficulty thinking and anaemia are also signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
You should consider speaking to a doctor if you have any a combination of these symptoms, it said.
“Some people don’t consume enough vitamin B12 to meet their needs, while others can’t absorb enough, no matter how much they take in,” said the Harvard Medical School.
“As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, especially among older people.
“Vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time. It can also come on relatively quickly.
“Given the array of symptoms a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause, the condition can be overlooked or confused with something else.”
You can lower your risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency by adding certain foods to your diet.
The best sources of vitamin B12 include beef, liver, dairy foods, eggs, and salmon.
You could also consider taking daily vitamin B12 supplements.
Those most at risk of the deficiency include the elderly, people with gastrointestinal disorders, and vegetarians.
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