Before we learn about and understand the major Vitamin B12 Deficiency symptoms, let us discuss what this particular vitamin is all about.
The Preamble
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in certain foods and added to others. Besides, this particular vitamin is available as a dietary supplement and a prescription pharmaceutical. It has been found that vitamin B12 contains cobalt. That’s the reason vitamin B12 actions are collectively known as cobalamin. Vitamin B12 comes in two metabolically active forms - methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. However, two more forms, hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin, become active physiologically when they are transformed into methylcobalamin or 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin.
Vitamin B12 is an extremely crucial vitamin that plays a pivotal role in the growth of our central nervous system. It also helps with myelination and related functions, as well as the generation of healthy red blood cells and DNA.
Vitamin B12 also serves as a cofactor for two enzymes - methionine synthase as well as L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Methionine synthase plays the all-important role of converting homocysteine to the important amino acid methionine. Methionine is required for the secretion of S-adenosylmethionine, which is a universal methyl donor for nearly 100 substrates, including proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA, L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, on the other hand, is an enzyme that transforms L-methyl malonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA during the process of propionate metabolism.
What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Let us now discuss the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is an extremely crucial component for overall health. It protects the nervous system and takes the responsibility of forming red blood cells in the blood. Despite its importance, the shortage of Vitamin B12 is found to be pretty common among people. Typically speaking, it is generally caused by low consumption of food, absorption issues, or certain medical conditions. One of the lesser well-known but terrifying symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency is its effect on legs, more so, during the night.
Effect of VItamin B12 On Legs During Night
Leg symptoms caused by Vitamin B12 insufficiency can range from minor discomfort to serious neurological signals, and detecting them early can help prevent problems. Here are five warning indications that should always be taken into heed without any delay whatsoever:
Tingling sensation in the legs
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 causes a tingling sensation in the legs. This is a medical condition that is termed paraesthesia. It is a common early warning sign of deficiency in Vitamin B12. As this vitamin is so critical for the functionality of the nerves, the person concerned may experience tingling or a sense of numbness. In case there is a feeling of tingling sensations, more so at night, it could be because Vitamin B12 is seriously lacking. However, early detection and diagnosis of this symptom may help prevent the issue from flaring up, causing more serious health concerns.
Feeling of Weakness and Fatigue
Another common symptom of Vitamin B12 deficiency is an uncanny weakness and weariness in the limbs. Physical activities may very well lead to the weakening of strength, which can cause grave concern, irritation, and tension.
In most cases, this weariness is aggravated at night, when the body is at rest and slowing down. The fallout of this condition is a lack of good sleep.
Cramps and Muscular Pain
Leg cramps and muscle soreness at night are another telltale symptom of a possible Vitamin B12 deficiency. These cramps are extremely painful, disrupt night sleep and give rise to a feeling of discomfort. It prevents the individual from feeling relaxed. Thus leaving them feeling tensed and irritated throughout the day. These muscular soreness, stiffness, and pain are generally caused by nerve injury, which, in turn, results in the fallout of a chronic deficit, which impairs muscular functionalities. If a person frequently wakes up from sleep at night with severe muscle pulls and cramps, that is likely an indicator of
Vitamin B12 deficiency. Immediate intervention of a medical practitioner is imperative.
Not able to walk properly
Difficulty walking or feeling shaky could be warning signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency. These problems are generally caused by nerve injury, which impairs your coordination and balance. If you have difficulty walking or maintaining your balance, especially at night when it is dark, you should seek medical help. Treating Vitamin B12 insufficiency early will assist in restoring nerve function and increase your ability to move securely and confidently.
Depression & Anxiety
Vitamin B12 deficiency can hurt your mental health, causing mood swings and cognitive difficulties. You may experience increased anxiety, depression, or difficulty remembering things, especially at night when distractions are reduced. If you experience major mood fluctuations, it is a sign and symptom of Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
Who is more exposed to Vitamin B12 deficiency?
The following sect of individuals are more prone to Vitamin B12 than the others. They include:
- Older Adults
- Those suffering from Pernicious Anemia
- People suffering from gastrointestinal disorders
- Individuals who have gone through gastrointestinal surgery
- Vegetarians and offsprings of vegan women
These are the signs and symptoms that indicate a lack of Vitamin B12 in our bodies. Get to a doctor if you face some, one or a combination of all these symptoms.
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