B12 Deficiency - Symptoms & Solutions

The elderly, vegetarians and people with sometake supplements every day.
specific illnesses can suffer from a Vitamin B12Studies conducted in America indicate that any
deficiency, and today many foods that form toperson who has a deficiency of B12 vitamin will be
make the average diet also have too low levels.two times at least more likely to get depression.
Problems that can arise through having a vitaminThose who have sufficient levels were
B12 intake that is not high enough include feelingconsiderably less predisposed to it, and reported
weak, fatigued, paranoid or mentally impaired asfeeling overall more calm and capable. This is due
well as damaged nerves, pernicious anemia,to the fact that B12 has many important roles in
delirium and CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).maintaining brain health and manufacturing brain
Certain studies have indicated that if your vitaminchemicals.
B12 levels are too low your homocysteine levelsFood that is rich in B12 should play a large role in
will be elevated. Homocysteine is an amino acidyour diet every day. These are foods such as
that is thought to be responsible for heartdairy, eggs, pork, organ meats, fish and beef, and
diseases, CFS and fibromyalgia. Alzheimer's andif taken with a good B12 supplement, should
depression have been linked to high levels of theresolve your problem or prevent you from
amino acid also. B12 is largely responsible fordeveloping one. Another solution to a B12
preventing these homocysteines from getting outdeficiency is to have a B12 injection, which you
of hand and causing problems.can ask your doctor about.
Anywhere up to a quarter of the AmericanMany people have a deficiency in vitamin B12 but
population over eighty could possibly have thisthink they are simply run down and overworked.
deficiency. This is the belief of The Jack MillerBy taking a good B complex that covers all B
Center for Peripheral Neuropathy at the Universityvitamins and folic acid, you will feel less stressed,
of Chicago, who also teaches their students thathave more energy and avoid the many health
those who have strict vegetarian diets areissues that come with not getting enough through
commonly lacking in the vitamin also. Althoughfood. By keeping the B12 levels up, the
vegetables canbe a good source of B12 vitamins,homocysteine levels will stay in check and you will
their content is lower so the amount needing tolead a healthy, happy life free from the high risk
be consumed is much higher than for those whoof depression and ill health.
eat meats and dairy. Vegetarians should definitely