10 Symptoms That Could Signal a Vitamin B12 Deficiency

---

Everyone gets tired at some point. Or they may experience weakness, a loss of appetite, or constipation. While these could be symptoms of a hectic schedule or various sorts of illnesses, including a virus or flu, they also could be a sign of a Vitamin B12 deficiency that can be easily treated. Recent news reports, including those featured in New York Times and History.com, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln likely was among Americans who suffered from a severe form of Vitamin B12 deficiency — which, unfortunately, caused her to exhibit strange behavior, mood swings, and public outbursts. Only recently, decades after her death, have medical experts noted that she exhibited classic symptoms of pernicious anemia, a disease caused by a vitamin-B12 deficiency. While Todd Lincoln wasn't fortunate enough to have access to modern medical insights, many people are undergoing testing for Vitamin B12 deficiency — and are experiencing straightforward remedies in shots and pills for treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health, here are numerous things you should be aware of when seeking a diagnosis:

The 10 Symptoms Linked to Vitamin B12 Deficiency:

These include:

1. weight loss
2. numbness and tingling in hands and feet
3. fatigue
4. constipation
5. loss of appetite
6. depression
7. poor memory
8. confusion
9. soreness in the mouth
10. difficulty maintaining balance

Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Infants: Children in infancy may experience symptoms that could include developmental delays and failure to thrive. Physicians can administer a test that detects Vitamin B12 deficiency: Not only can a medical professional determine if you have a deficiency, he or she can also determine the best way to administer Vitamin B12 — orally or by injection. Some segments of the population are at higher risk: People who are vegan or vegetarian, and, as a result, avoiding consuming meats, fish and poultry which are high in Vitamin B12, are at great risk for developing deficiencies for the vitamin. Also, many older adults experience atrophic gastritis, which is a condition that reduces the amount of stomach acid, which helps a person absorb Vitamin B12. By some estimates, 10 percent to 30 percent of adults age 50 and older have this condition.