Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Watch Out For These Signs When You Sleep

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may start to show when a regular diet lacks this vitamin. Those who are at higher risk are vegetarians and vegans who avoid meat. Some medications have also been found to disrupt the ability of a person to absorb vitamin B12.

What are some of the significant symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 helps keep the blood cells and nerves in the body healthy. It also plays a major role in generating DNA cells.

Animal foods like fish, poultry, eggs, and meats are abundant in Vitamin B12. Products that have been fortified with B12, like plant-based milk and some types of bread, are also rich with this kind of vitamin.

Those who are B12 deficient usually suffer from symptoms that affect their eyes, hands, and feet. In some cases, they may also show some signs while sleeping.

In a study made by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, sleeping and waking cycles of a person may be affected when there is B12 deficiency. The research involved two patient long-suffering from various sleep-wake rhythm ailments.

After both were administered a specific amount of vitamin B12, they were then observed for several days. Researchers found that both showed improvement in their sleep-wake cycles.

Are there other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Aside from disrupting the sleeping pattern, other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include becoming anemic. In some cases, a mild deficiency may be devoid of any symptoms. If left unchecked, however, the deficiency may worsen and lead to symptoms like pale skin, constipation, weakness, and a smooth tongue. Mental health problems, like memory loss, depression, and behavioral changes may also occur.

Treating vitamin B12 deficiency may involve getting shots of the vitamins. Depending on the amount needed, patients who suffer from this ailment may need to continue being administered these shots or take an increased dose of vitamin B12 supplement.

Older adults with B12 deficiency would have to take a daily dose of a B12 supplement. This is very important as the body does not generate vitamin B12; instead, it must come from an external source like supplements or animal-based foods.

Since the body is not able to store vitamin B12 for extended periods, there is a need to continue getting it from external sources. The amount or dose required for a B12-deficient patient would depend on many factors like a medical condition, age, and eating habits.

On average, however, the best amount for adults is around 2.4 mcg daily. Unless the doctor recommends a higher dose, your vitamin B12 intake should not exceed this amount.