Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Women

The water-soluble vitamin B12 is needed by the body in the formation of red blood cells, in the synthesis of DNA, and in certain neurological functions. In addition to these, it helps other chemicals and nutrients to perform various functions.

In case of a deficiency, the body cannot perform the aforementioned functions normally. Let us look into the symptoms most commonly observed in women.

The red blood cells carry oxygen from one part of the body to the others. With a deficiency in vitamin B12, the body will not have enough red blood cells to distribute oxygen throughout the body. This causes anemia, which happens as a result of the digestive system in the body being unable to absorb vitamin B12. Anemia in women can be a serious condition, as they lose enough blood during menstruation.

Fatigue is one of the common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in adults. Women may start feeling completely tired and drained out at regular intervals, throughout the day. Weakness is also one of the signs. The feeling of tiredness and listlessness is due to the low oxygen in body.

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in secretion of the hormones like serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for controlling your moods. In case of a B complex deficiency, the secretion of this hormone is affected, in turn, creating different mental problems like lack of concentration, depression, emotional disturbance, loss of memory, and hallucinations.

The chemical myelin, present in vitamin B12, is important to help you maintain bodily balance. Hence, due to the lack of the chemical during a deficiency, a person faces loss of physical balance and affected reflexes. This can cause further neurological damage too, leading to conditions like the Parkinson's syndrome.

Vitamin B12 is also responsible for the proper secretion of the melatonin hormone. This hormone is responsible for inducing sleep. Due to a deficiency, it is not released properly, and leads to sleep deprivation and disorders. If a woman is exposed to sleep deprivation for a long duration, she will be in a position to attract more illnesses.

A pregnant woman requires more amount of vitamin B12 than others. It is simply because, the fetus uses the B12 stored in the mother's body for its own development. This may lead to its deficiency in the mother. A mild deficiency, in this case, is not a problem.

However, if it becomes severe, it is a cause for concern, which must be addressed immediately, before it creates further complications. This deficiency increases the chances of infertility, miscarriages, and premature birth. Every pregnant woman is prescribed with prenatal vitamins, including vitamin B12.

However, as it may not be sufficient, it is advisable to increase the consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12. In severe cases, shots or B12 injections may become necessary.

For maintaining good health, it is necessary not to deprive the body of vitamin B12. Do not take the above-mentioned symptoms lightly, as the consequences could be very disastrous. For the sake of your own health, recognize the signs of deficiencies, and consume a healthy diet to provide your body with all the necessary nutrients.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and not intended to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.