Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms (+ how to test for it and treat it with supplements)

A major list of Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms. How to know if your B12 levels are how, how to test for B12 deficiency, and how to treat B12 deficiency with supplements.

Treating vitamin B12 deficiency is one of my favorite conditions to treat because I consider it an easy win for many people. Simply taking B12 is enough to fix the problem and may help you feel better very quickly.

But before we talk about treatment we need to discuss vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

You can find a list of symptoms associated with low B12 levels below:

#1. Fatigue/weakness - Probably the most common symptom.

#2. Weight gain - Unexplained weight gain may be due to low B12.

#3. Brain fog - The inability to focus or concentrate.

#4. Depression - Depression AND anxiety can be associated with B12 deficiency.

#5. Numbness/tingling - Usually a sign of more advanced deficiency.

#6. Tongue changes - Including tongue lesions.

#7. Constipation

#8. Heart palpitations

#9. (Forgot to discuss in the video) HAIR LOSS - I can't believe I forgot this one but yes low B12 levels can lead to hair loss.

#10. (Forgot to discuss in the video) ANEMIA - Also, I forgot to mention that low B12 can lead to a specific type of anemia (megaloblastic anemia) which is rare but does happen.

How to TEST for B12 deficiency:

There are several ways to test for Vitamin b12 deficiency but not all of the tests are great.

The list includes:

Serum B12 levels - Serum B12 is the worst way to test for B12 deficiency and is often very inaccurate.
Methylmalonic acid - Methylmalonic acid is better than serum B12 but is often not ordered by doctors.
MCV - MCV is a measure of the SIZE of your red blood cells. A high MCV can indicate you have B12 deficiency.
Homocysteine - Homocysteine will increase with low B12 levels.

If you decide that you have both the symptoms of B12 deficiency AND abnormal lab tests then you may want to consider supplementation.

The best supplements include:
- Methylcobalamin
- Hydroxycobalamin
- Adenosylcobalamin

These are PRE-METHYLATED and PRE-ACTIVATED forms of B12. You will want to use these over the cheaper version of B12 known as cyanocobalamin. The recommended formulations of B12 are safe to use if you have the MTHFR defect and can be readily used by the body without the need for activation.

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Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/what-happe...

This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
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