Low levels of vitamin B12 can be dangerous and prolonged deficiency of this vitamin could lead to the development of pernicious anemia.

Humans need to consume a daily dose of vitamins and minerals through diet. For this reason, doctors and nutritionists emphasize the importance of a varied diet that includes all foods. It is a simple way to have good values of vitamin B12, vitamin D, or vitamin C.

• Scientists in Fear of This New Predator From Red Sea Eating Native Species in Mediterranean
• Does This Mean We Stopped Being Animal and Started Being Human Due to ‘Copy Paste’ Errors?
• The One Lifestyle Choice That Could Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk By More Than 22%
• Aging: This Is What Happens Inside Your Body Right After Exercise
• Immune-Boosting Drink that Mimics Fasting to Reduce Fat – Scientists ‘Were Surprised’ By New Findings

There are also certain vitamins that are mainly found in a specific food group. This is the case of the necessary vitamin B12, which is especially found in foods of animal origin.

Therefore, on many occasions, people who choose to carry out a vegan or vegetarian diet have a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body. This is something that can lead to health problems and that can also cause the change of different physical features.

Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency

In addition, some nutritionists point out that vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in people over 50 years of age. Regardless of the diet performed, the lack of this micronutrient is related to an acquired immune disorder.

Thus, a prolonged lack of vitamin B12 can be directly reflected in various symptoms related to physical changes, such as developing a yellowish or pale skin color.

In addition, it could also cause a very red tongue, which also causes severe pain. Similarly, canker sores can appear both inside and outside of the mouth.

• Do you notice a constant hum in your ears? You’re probably missing vitamin B12
• A syndrome that causes a feeling of extreme fatigue
• Hair fall and brittle nails could be signs of a serious disease
• Ten most common sign and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency – sometimes extremely difficult to tell
• These foods will make your brain work better

These physical changes are the prelude that indicate a major problem in the body that can lead to anemia, as this micronutrient is vital for the correct production of red blood cells.

Other symptoms of a lack of vitamin B12

In addition to these external indicators, there are also a series of internal symptoms that could warn of a lack of vitamin B12. Thus, if you detect some of these symptoms continuously, it is necessary to see a medical specialist:

• Vision disturbances.
• Trouble walking
• Numbness of hands and feet.
• Memory loss.
• Difficulty thinking
• Irritability.
• Depression.
• Psychosis.

On the other hand, the lack of vitamin B12 in the body can also increase the risk of stomach cancer, especially in people who develop pernicious anemia due to the deficiency of this micronutrient.

• Do you notice a constant hum in your ears? You’re probably missing vitamin B12
• A syndrome that causes a feeling of extreme fatigue
• Hair fall and brittle nails could be signs of a serious disease
• Ten most common sign and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency – sometimes extremely difficult to tell
• These foods will make your brain work better

Pernicious anemia

One of the most serious health conditions that a lack of vitamin B12 can cause is the development of pernicious anemia, which in serious situations can lead to stomach cancer. That is why it is important to detect early a possible onset of anemia through the following symptoms:

• Headache.
• Pale skin
• Lethargy.
• Prolonged fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Alterations in the sense of taste.
• Weakness.
• Sudden weight loss

In these cases it is appropriate to go to a medical consultation. The most effective way to detect a possible lack of vitamin B12 is by taking a blood test.

However, people who do not eat animal products may need to supplement their diet with vitamin B12 supplements, to avoid some of the health effects of vitamin B12 deficiency.

• Scientists in Fear of This New Predator From Red Sea Eating Native Species in Mediterranean
• Does This Mean We Stopped Being Animal and Started Being Human Due to ‘Copy Paste’ Errors?
• The One Lifestyle Choice That Could Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk By More Than 22%
• Aging: This Is What Happens Inside Your Body Right After Exercise
• Immune-Boosting Drink that Mimics Fasting to Reduce Fat – Scientists ‘Were Surprised’ By New Findings

“Vitamin B12 is found most often in animal-source foods, so vegans and those limiting their intake of meat, dairy, and eggs may wish to take a vitamin B12 supplement,” says Ali Webster, PhD, RD, Director of Research and Nutrition Communications at the International Food Information Council.

Image Credit: iStock