Vitamin B-12, which generally comes from meat and meat by-products, is extremely important for proper central nervous system and brain health. Like most vitamins, it is digested in the intestines, but it is one of the most difficult to digest vitamins, making deficiency very common. Unfortunately, vitamin B-12 deficiency is also one of the most commonly misdiagnosed medical conditions.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency symptoms closely resemble the symptoms of other health conditions, some of which include chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, early Parkinson’s and neuropathy. Without proper testing, B-12 deficiency may not be detected. To be detected, however, you must first talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
Neurological symptoms of B-12 deficiency can include:
Diminished reflexes Dementia Peripheral sensory motor symptoms Psychiatric symptoms Lack of soft touch sensation Diminished response to vibration or pressure Paresthesia (pins and needles, burning or numbness in the hands or feet)
Vitamin B-12 deficiency symptoms that point to pernicious anemia include:
Fatigue Heart palpitations Poor resistance to infection (a result of a compromised immune system) Shortness of breath Difficulty concentrating Physical weakness Pale skin tone
To determine whether a B-12 deficiency is present or not, your doctor will perform a health examination. This will include a physical, a health questionnaire and possibly some lab work. Those that are considered at high risk (elderly, individuals with gastrointestinal problems, women pregnant or nursing, women in their menses, heavy alcohol consumers, individuals that take sleeping pills regularly, vegans and vegetarians) are most likely to receive lab testing. However, anyone can be diagnosed with Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
If you suspect that you have a Vitamin B-12 deficiency, you should talk to your doctor immediately. While doctor visits can be expensive and intimidating, a B-12 deficiency can be treated through injections, supplements or diet. Catching the problem early can reduce the number of long-term or permanent symptoms including deterioration of the spinal cord.