Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Eye Symptoms To Watch Out For

Vitamin B12 is one of the essential vitamins that the body must not run short of. This is important for the proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Aside from this, it also plays a crucial role in the circulatory system since it also contributes to red blood cell formation. In addition, it helps in regulating the body’s DNA.

Since this is not highly “marketed,” individuals have the tendency to neglect this. Before they know it, they are already deficient from the vitamin. Their eyes could reveal the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

One of the recent surveys revealed that 1/3 of British residents are deficient in this essential vitamin, with almost half of them completely unaware of the importance of vitamin B12. Usually, those who don’t receive the right amount of B12 are the vegans and pescatarians.

Eye Twitches

Have you ever experienced when out of nowhere, your eye would suddenly twitch? This is one of the signs that will tell you that you need vitamin B12. The Thyroid Patient Advocacy stated that a twitch that would occur either on the eyelid or right below your eyes. While you may not feel pain when this happens, it could annoy you.

Other Symptoms

Aside from eye twitches, you also need to watch your mood. Yes, low energy and having that negative mood can be a symptom of being deficient from vitamin B12. You also need to watch out if you feel breathless or dizzy most of the time. If you suffer from numbness, and an inflamed tongue, it could also mean that you lack this vital vitamin.

Combating the Deficiency

By taking in vitamin B12 supplements or going for foods that are rich in the said vitamin, you may be able to resist the physical effects of vitamin B12 deficiency. As mentioned in previous paragraphs, vegans are among those who are usually deficient from this vitamin. Hence, you need to make sure that you eat meat and beef liver.

One thing that you can enjoy if you suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency is sirloin steaks of salmon. If you are a vegan, then you just need to go for supplements and other sources like cereals, non-dairy milk products, and also fortified foods. If you are in doubt, consult a doctor or a professional dietician.