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The Negative Side Effects of B12 Deficiency

B12 deficiency is a reduction of cyanocobalamin in the body. In most cases, this is due to impaired body absorption or inadequate dietary intake of the supplement. Although mostly asymptomatic, it can present a number of disturbing and debilitatingmanifestations. In serious cases, the condition can lead to irreversible damage to our nervous system.

When to Expect the Effects

This deficiency does not always produce specific or distinct symptoms. The more common problems that come from this disorder are diminished mental work capacity and fatigue. Earlier during the disease process, the person may not feel any symptoms at all. But as the condition progresses, it can result to grave complications that can possibly debilitate the person.

The Negative Effects

The following symptoms are usually seen in people suffering from a b12 deficiency.

   1. Tingly sensations on the tongue. Itchiness or tingling tongue can be experienced without warning. Typically, the Person will sense this on the tip of the tongue. It would also sometimes occur on the side or edge of the tongue. Some patients may even feel pain or stinging instead of itching.
   2. Tingling or sharp stabbing pain on the palms of either or both hands. This symptom often occurs with no apparent reason. If this sensation is not treated, then it could progress into pain. It also often occurs when the wrist is extended.
   3. Melanin is diminished in some parts of the body. White spots begin to appear as a result of a deficiency in melanin. More often than not, this manifestation occurs in the forearm. If the spots are not treated, it can become very dry and flaky.Underlying skin may also be exposed as part of this problem.
   4. People with this deficiency could experience shortness of breath. With just a few yards of walk, they can develop difficulty of breathing.
   5. Eye twitching is also a usual occurrence with this condition. Since vitamin b12 is essential for proper functioning of the muscles, patient lacking it could experience such problem.
   6. Pain at one side of the face could also happen as a result of cyanocobalamin deficiency. It is often difficult for most people to describe the degree and severity of pain because it varies from time to time.
   7. Mouth sores may appear. They are sometimes relieved by certain medications but tend to reappear again as the condition worsens.
   8. Nerve shock may also take place at a unilateral part of the body. It hits the individual like a mild electric shock but it often swiftly subsides.
   9. Memory loss is often seen as a long term effect of b12 deficiency. Since the vitamin helps boost one’s memory, it is necessary to have it in our systems. Physiological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease is said to be related to cyanocobalamin insufficiency.
10. Personality changes and irritability may stem from b12 scarcity.
11. Migraine may also result from b12 deficiency. This symptom is usually preceded by a provisional blind spot in the middle of one’s vision. It happens for about 10 minutes and would be followed by facial pain beneath the eyes. However, headaches may vary in characteristic from one person to another. It is important to be seen by a qualified doctor before getting treated from the problem.

The Negative Side Effects of B12 Deficiency

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