subject: Anemia - One of the Common Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms [print this page] Anemia - One of the Common Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Anemia is a condition where there aren't enough red blood cells in the body. A person suffering from anemia feels unusually tired, lethargic and weak. This is since their blood is having a hard time carrying oxygen.
The Importance of Oxygen in the Blood
As the heart pumps, blood propels around the body via the arteries. The body's red blood cells take the oxygen and carry them to the lung and to the cells. In turn, the cells use up the oxygen as fuel for sugar and fat combustion. This is how the body produces energy. This is also how carbon dioxide is produced and expelled as a waste product by the body. It will bind itself to the red bloods cells which deliver oxygen. It is also the red blood cells that transport carbon dioxide to the lungs to be expelled when we exhale. The process of exchanging carbon dioxide (CO2) for oxygen (O2) is known as "oxidation".
Being Anemic
In the body, it is the bone marrow that produces re blood cells and circulates them in the blood. These red blood cells only have a life span of 4 months. In order to produce red blood cells, the body needs:
? Folic acid
? Iron
? Vitamin B12
If the body is lacking in any of these nutrients, the person will suffer from anemia. If the anemia is caused by the lack of Vit. B12, it is referred to as "pernicious anemia". The condition is known to result to mental deterioration (dementia) or neuritis or (inflammation of the nerves).
Who are the ones greatest at risk of being anemic?
The elderly are the ones highly at risk. However, there are also cases where young women are found with Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms. This is since people who are not eating foods with Vit. B12 in sufficient amounts are prone to have anemia and other deficiency symptoms.
Another possible cause of anemia would be cases when the small intestines fail to absorb Vit. B12. In order to absorb Vit. B12, the stomach produces an "intrinsic factor". If there is a disruption or if the stomach fails to deliver, a deficiency in Vit. B12 is at hand.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
? Tiredness
? Palpitations
? Dizziness
? Shortness of breath
? Leg pains and headache (severe cases)
? Angina - chest pain (severe cases)
? Weight loss (severe cases)
? Diarrhea (severe cases)
? Red sore mouth and tongue (severe cases)
Other Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms include:
? Les sensitivity to vibration
? Reduced or altered sense of touch
? Tingling in the feet and the hands
? Color blindness
? Muscle weakness
? Depression
? Confusion
? Memory loss
? Difficulties in coordination and walking
For those who develop pernicious anemia, there is a risk of developing stomach cancer.
People who are experiencing any of these symptoms should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency is easy to treat. The doctor will focus on your diet and would recommend vitamin supplements.
