Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms: Three signs in the face that could signal a lack of B12
Vitamin B12 is, according to health experts, arguably the most important vitamin; from fighting fatigue and keeping the body’s nerves and blood cells healthy to producing DNA. As the body doesn’t make vitamin B12, one has to get it from animal-based foods or from supplements. This should be done regularly as the body doesn’t store vitamin B12 for a long time. With age, it can become harder to absorb vitamin B12. It can also happen if a person has had an operation that removed part of their stomach, or if they drink heavily. A person may also develop vitamin B12 deficiencies if they have pernicious anaemia, immune system disorders, or any conditions that affect the small intestine. For anyone who is worried if they are vitamin B12 deficient, there are three signs in the face that could be a warning signs.
B12 deficiency sometimes goes undiagnosed until the symptoms become moderate to severe, although this is not necessarily the fault of the medical profession
Thyroid Patient Advocacy
Thyroid Patient Advocacy (TPA) said on their website: “Borderline B12 deficiency can sometimes cause symptoms so dramatic that B12 deficiency may be rejected as a possible cause because it may be thought that such symptoms wouldn’t be caused by a mere borderline deficiency.
“B12 deficiency sometimes goes undiagnosed until the symptoms become moderate to severe, although this is not necessarily the fault of the medical profession.
“The symptoms often come on so slowly that a B12 deficient individual may become accustomed to them and not complain until the symptoms become severe.”
If a person experiences a shortness of breath, but without the chest pain, it could be a warning sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.
This shortness of breath can occur when walking just a few yards and experiencing this sensation.
Experiencing facial pain is also a possible sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.
According to TPA: “Facial pain, usually on only one side of the face at a time could be a sign.
“This pain varies so much that it would be difficult to describe all the possibilities. It can be a dull pain in the cheek bone right underneath an eye.
“It can also be a sharp shooting pain across the forehead, sometimes coming downward from the scalp to the edge of the nose by the eye.
“This pain can be excruciating but is usually fleeting.”
Having an eye twitch is another warning sign that your body could be lacking vitamin B12.
The eye twitch is usually in the one eye or the other. It can occur on the eyelid or just below the eye and is not painful, but rather annoying.
If a person has pernicious anaemia or has trouble absorbing vitamin B12, it is recommended to have shots of the vitamin first.
These shots may be needed regularly and high doses of a supplement by mouth is advised.
For vegans or vegetarians that don’t eat animal products, a change to a diet to include more vitamin B12-fortified grains, a supplement, or B12 injections, is recommended.
Most people can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency by eating enough meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and eggs.
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