Dear ,
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a silent epidemic. And one with serious consequences. In fact, of all vitamin deficiencies, vitamin B12 is among the most dangerous.
And reports from the USDA show that it's widespread, with at least 40% of the US population estimated to be severely deficient.
Did you know your ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases with age?
Combine advancing age with certain prescription medications (i.e. for heartburn) and a lack of meat in your diet (especially true for vegetarians or vegans) and you could find yourself sorely lacking vitamin B12.
So how do you know if you’re deficient?
The following symptoms should be brought to your doctor’s attention...
1. Dizziness
Frequent bouts of dizziness or vertigo often signal B12 stores are low. For instance, you may experience a wobbly feeling when you get up from a sitting position. You may also feel dizzy walking up or down stairs.
2. Forgetfulness
We're all occasionally forgetful. Chronic forgetfulness, however, may indicate a deeper medical issue. Many people conclude they they have early onset dementia or Alzheimer’s, especially in their senior years. This is often NOT the case... instead, it can be a correctable vitamin deficiency.
3. Unexplained Fatigue
Ever had a good night’s sleep followed by a day of yawning and dragging your feet? If that constant fatigue continues for days or weeks, it could be the result of B12 deficiency.
Researchers from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found those who felt zapped after plenty of zzzzz's may be struggling with low B12 levels.
The extreme and lasting fatigue is due to a lack of red blood cell production (one of the many processes that requires B12)... meaning that oxygen transport to your organs, brain and muscles is compromised.
4. Vision Issues
No, there isn’t something in your eye causing the spotting, blurred or double vision. Low B12 stores can lead to vision changes. It can even damage the retina if blood vessels in the eye become blocked.
If you experience light sensitivity, blurred or double vision, tracers or shadows, it could be the result of damage to the optic nerve. Fortunately, B12 supplementation can help improve your vision.
5. Pins and Needles
It’s common to experience pins and needles if you sit cross-legged for too long. However, tingling and numbness throughout the body, when you haven’t compressed any part of your body, can indicate a B12 issue.
Numbness or the feeling of electric shock waves can be the result of nerve damage related to poor red blood cell production in B12 deficient patients.
If you've noticed persistent health issues like these (or if you just want to maintain optimal health), you may want to consider a high quality vitamin B12 supplement.
Kelley Herring
Healing Gourmet
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