Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms

Do you have vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms?

What's different about this vitamin is that it is always transported with intrinsic factor, a protein that is found in the stomach. Deficiency is most often caused by mal-absorption, especially in the elderly.

I believe that the main reason for a high prevalence of B12 deficiency is that due to the Standard American Diet - SAD, our stomachs are lacking the protein needed to transport the B12 out of the digestive system to where it is needed. So even those who eat a lot of animal protein can lack B12.

Some reasons you may lack the intrinsic factor that transports B12: 

• Stress
• Overwork
• Eating food cooked in the microwave
• lack of organic sodium
• Lack of protein
• Hypoglycemia

It's important to note that even if you don't show many vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms or your blood test comes back normal you may still lack vitamin B12. A deficiency can take years to show up.

Vitamin B12 is needed for:

• Regulating the formation of red blood cells
• Helping prevent anemia
• Synthesizing protein and essential fatty acids
• Helping with the growth and protection of the nervous system
• Memory, learning, the brain
• Helping the immune system
• Metabolizing iron
• Producing mother's milk

Those that are lacking in intrinsic factor could then lack B12. Using a high quality liquid supplement sublingually (holding it under the tongue for 30 seconds) will help.

Unfortunately most forms of B12 are not good quality and difficult for the body to absorb. Many who are taking B12 end up getting injections which are unnecessary if you are taking a high quality B12.

Strict vegetarians must note that vitamin B12 sources are mostly from animal products and that they are at high risk for deficiency.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

• Pernicious anemia - due to B12 not being transported to where it is needed
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity or lack of sensation in the extremities
• Depression
• Bone loss
• Constipation
• Digestive disorders
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headaches including migraines
• Irritability, moodiness
• Memory loss
• Palpitations
• Mental confusion
• Anxiety

Vitamin B 12 sources, foods rich in vitamin B12:

• Meats
• Liver
• Brewers yeast
• Poultry
• Herring
• Mackerel
• Seafood
• Dairy products
• Sea weed
• Soy beans and fermented soy products

Vitamin B12 supplements:

Every year I take a high quality liquid B12 supplement for 3 months. It boosts up my reserves and I am good for another year. The B12 I take includes the intrinsic factor so it is much more effective and bio-available than other kinds of B12.