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Pernicious anemia – an acquired autoimmune disease – occurs when the body’s immune system attacks stomach cells, causing intrinsic factor not to be made and vitamin B12 excreted. The nutrient is abundant in animal products, such as meat, fish, and dairy products. However, if the body is unable to reabsorb vitamin B12, you will experience symptoms of a deficiency over time.
At first, it can be very easy to get rid of the insignificant symptoms, such as pale skin or fatigue.
However, vitamin B12 is vital for many processes in the body, including the production of red blood cells.
As your vitamin B12 levels are increasingly depleted, dangerous side effects could start to occur, some of which are irreversible.
You may notice that you have been feeling more short of breath lately, as Medical News Today pointed out.
READ MORE: Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes: Three Serious Signs of Altered Blood Sugar Levels in Your Feet
Over time, peripheral nerve damage – which can start with tingling and numbness in the extremities – can lead to problems with movement.
Vitamin B12 plays a “crucial role in the nervous system”, helping to produce a substance called myelin.
“Myelin is a protective coating that protects the nerves and helps them transmit sensations,” Medical News Today explained.
Without an adequate supply of myelin, nerves can be damaged.
These vitamin B12 injections are only available with a prescription, so you will need to be diagnosed with pernicious anemia beforehand.
Am I deficient in vitamin B12?
Only a blood test can determine your vitamin B12 level, but symptoms may include:
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Feeling weak
- Depression or irritability
- Headache
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Painful and swollen tongue, which may be pale, yellow, or very red
- Heart palpitations
- Mouth ulcers
- Paresthesia (pins and needles)
- The vision changes.
Correcting a vitamin B12 deficiency can reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and neurological disorders.
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