8 important signs of vitamin B12 deficiency that are often overlooked

Vitamin B12 is mega important. WebMD explains it's responsible for such big tasks as making DNA and red blood cells. You may be surprised to learn that this vital vitamin is not made naturally in the body. We rely on food to supply us with enough vitamin B12 to keep us healthy. 

If you suffer from Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or any immune disorder, such as Grave's disease or lupus, your doctor may have talked to you about the dangers of a vitamin B12 deficiency. But people with those conditions are not the only ones that need worry. Vegans and vegetarians, as well as people over the age of 50, are at particular risk. Here's how to know if you are vitamin B12 deficient:

1. Pale yellow skin. Whole Health Chicago explains that because vitamin B12 deficiency is a type of anemia, pale yellow skin from broken red blood cells is a red flag.

2. Numbness and tingling. Vitamin B12 deficiency has a direct effect on the nerves. Therefore, Whole Health Chicago warns numbness and tingling, as well as tremors and problems with balance, can point to depleted vitamin B12 levels.

3. Mood swings. The same neurological effects that cause tingling and numbness also impact your mood, explains Prevention. Anxiety, depression, and extreme ups and downs can all be signs of having not enough vitamin B12 to synthesize important mood regulating chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine.

4. Smooth, red tongue. Prevention explains vitamin B12 can cause the loss of papillae on the tongue. Taste buds are located on the papillae, so if you lose a taste for food and find yourself losing weight because you no longer find eating enjoyable, talk to your doctor about checking your blood for vitamin B12.

5. Eye problems. An extreme lack of vitamin B12 can damage the optic nerve. This can cause blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light, and in some cases, vision loss, warns Prevention. 

6. Burning Feet. Livestrong explains nerve damage from vitamin B12 deficiency may manifest in the form of a burning sensation in the feet. Like numbness and tingling, the sensation typically begins in the fingers or toes and if left untreated, can spread up the arms and legs.

7. Difficulty walking. If you stagger or lose your balance when walking, a vitamin B12 deficiency may be causing neurological damage, says Harvard Health Publications.

8. Memory loss. Difficulty thinking and memory loss are two more neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, says Harvard Health Publications. 

If you are over the age of 50, a strict vegetarian or vegan, or have had weight loss surgery, Harvard Health Publications urges you talk with your doctor about having your B12 levels checked. It's also a good idea if you take a proton-pump inhibitor like Nexium, an H2 blocker like Zantac, or metformin for diabetes. 

Source: Remedy Daily