Vitamin B12 deficiency: Sensation felt after a small amount of exercise warning low levels

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Vitamin B12’s contribution to the body is invaluable. Among other things, it helps make red blood cells and keeps your nervous system operating efficiently. Having consistently low B12 levels therefore deals a hammer blow to your body including when exercising. What to spot?

Bupa lists signs indicating your B12 levels are low which include:

Feeling very tired

Breathlessness even after little exercise

Heart palpitations

Headaches

A reduced appetite

A sore mouth and tongue.

Most people will get breathless during and after exercising and doing things which are physically strenuous.

However, people with vitamin B12 deficiency will get breathless even after a little exercise.

Other symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency include tiredness, lack of energy, heart palpitations and headaches.

“These symptoms aren’t always due to vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia, but if you have them see your GP,” warned Bupa.

According to the NHS, complications associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are rare as the condition can be easily treated in most cases.

But in some cases, complications can occur involving problems with movement and co-ordination and an increased risk of heart problems.

In addition, vitamin B12 deficiency can sometimes lead to temporary infertility, which usually improves with appropriate treatment.

Without enough oxygen, patients can feel short of breath or dizzy – particularly after exercising – according to nutritionist Helen West.

But there are a number of reasons why people feel dizzy, so speak to a doctor to find its true underlying cause, she said.

“If you become anaemic due to a B12 deficiency, you may feel short of breath and a bit dizzy, especially when you exert yourself,” said the nutritionist.

“This is because your body lacks the red blood cells it needs to get enough oxygen to your body’s cells.

“However, these symptoms can have many causes, so if you notice that you are unusually breathless, you should speak to your doctor to investigate the cause.”

A vitamin B12 deficiency could be caused by pernicious anaemia – where the body’s immune system attacks healthy stomach cells.

You could top up on vitamin B12 by eating more liver, salmon, beef, egg or dairy foods.

See a GP if you’re worried that you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 supplements and diet changes should help to reduce symptoms of a deficiency.

It’s important for the condition to be diagnosed early, as it can lead to heart conditions and temporary infertility on rare occasions.
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