Vitamin B12 is very important for many body functions. It is responsible for synthesizing DNA, formation of the red blood cells and for various other neurological processes. Being water soluble the vitamin has an important role in brain function and central nervous system. Structurally it is the most complex and largest vitamin. The vitamin can be produced only by bacterial fermentation. It is also known as energy vitamin because it is responsible for promoting the energy levels in the body. So the vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms can cause a lot of problems in the human body.
The most important and first signs of the deficiency is anemia which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, constipation, vomiting and gas formation. Other symptoms include white spots on the skin, itchy tongue, eye twitch, tingling pain in the palms, shortness of breath, loss of balance, memory loss, migraine, irritability, disorientation, sore mouth and certain personality changes. Sometimes the deficiency can also lead to psychosis and mania.
What are the reasons for the deficiency? Improper diet with insufficient vitamins and certain other health conditions are responsible for the deficiency.
In order to avoid such conditions you have to consume proper and well balanced meal every day. Include a lot of fruits and vegetables too. They contain most of the vitamins and minerals required for the body. Vitamin b12 is mostly found in animal products like meat, milk, eggs etc. A vegan diet can also be responsible for the deficiency of this vitamin. Such people who cannot consume these natural products can consume the supplements to make up for the loss. Try to include vitamin b12 foods in your diet for preventing the deficiency. Some of the foods which are a rich source of this vitamin are oysters, clams, mussels, liver, caviar, octopus, fish, lobster, crab, beef, lamb, cheese and eggs.