Signs you are low on Vit B12 and why?​

Sign-Numbness and Tingling
Do your hands and feet tingle or feel like pins and needles? 
This is because of the shortage of B12 that damages the protective sheath that covers your nerves. 

Sign-Cold hands and feet
Without enough B12, you might not have enough healthy red blood cells to move oxygen around your body (anemia).
That can leave you shivering and cold, especially in your hands and feet.

Sign-Scrambled brain
A lack of B12 may lead to depression, confusion, memory problems, and dementia. 
It also can affect your balance.  
Studies support the use of vitamin B12 supplements for improving symptoms of depression in people deficient in this vitamin.
Reference

Sign- Muscular Weakness
Feeling tired and lightheaded  are signs of B12 deficiency.
Lack of vitamin B12 and insufficient oxygenation to muscles can result in sluggishness and uncharacteristic muscle weakness.

Sign-Heart Palpitations
The pounding, fluttering or irregular beating of our heart may not always be the feeling of love, it can also be a sign of B12 deficiency.
This is known as palpitations and can last for a few seconds or minutes. 

Sign- Mouth Sores
Vitamin B12 deficiency is often associated with anemia, and can cause mouth ulcers. 
Mouth ulcers can be very painful but usually clear up on their own within a week or two. 
They aren't usually anything serious, but they can be unpleasant.

Sign- Digestive issues
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause a person to lose their appetite, drop too much weight or have constipation or diarrhea. 
A lack of red blood cells means that not enough oxygen reaches the gut. 
Insufficient oxygen here may lead to a person feeling and being sick.

Why- Being Vegetarian 
A study has shown that individuals who follow a strict vegetarian diet and shun all animal products including milk and eggs have B12 deficiency. 
Vegans and vegetarians who don’t eat any animal products should add some processed grains like fortified breads, crackers, and cereals.

Why? Age
With age, the body may not absorb B12 as easily as you would when young. 
If you don’t treat it, low levels of B12 could lead to anemia, nerve damage, moodiness, and other serious problems. 

Why- Weight loss surgery
The most common weight loss surgery is "gastric bypass"  
After the surgery, food bypasses parts of your stomach and small intestine  usually where B12 breaks down into usable form.  
Oral supplementations or injections can help such patients maintain the B12 levels. 

Why- Certain medications
Some medicines drop your B12 levels or make it harder for your body to use the vitamin. 
Speak with your doctor about the medicines and supplements that you consume. 

Who- Pregnant Vegetarian Women
Vegetarian and vegan women must speak with their doctor about taking B12 supplements  during pregnancy and when breast feeding.  
Infants who don’t get enough could have serious and permanent damage to their nerves or brain cells.

Disclaimer: The advice provided is intended for informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.  Consult with your doctor if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.​