But sometimes, hearing another parent's story reminds us that progress doesn't happen overnight—it happens one small step at a time.
This month, we're sharing one story from our Spectrum Care family whose focus wasn't finding a miracle solution; it was finding a routine they could actually stick with.
Hunter was born in 2016 and, during his early pediatrician visits, he appeared to be meeting his developmental milestones.
When he was about six months old, Hunter became very sick with a high fever for several days. After he recovered, his mother noticed changes that concerned her.
"He wasn't eating, looking at me when I called his name, not trying to babble or make noise in an effort to communicate, and not sleeping because of night terrors."
As weeks turned into months, she found herself searching for ways to support her son and help him thrive.
Like so many parents, she researched, asked questions, and explored different options, hoping to find something that fit their family's needs.
One day, a friend introduced Hunter's family to the TEKNON Protocol. Before trying it, his mother spent time learning about the product and deciding whether it was something she wanted to include in Hunter's wellness routine.
Over time, she noticed encouraging changes in Hunter's daily life and shared that establishing a consistent routine gave their family renewed hope and confidence.
Hunter's story isn't just about one product—it's about a parent's unwavering determination to keep searching, learning, and showing up every day.
For many families, mornings provide an opportunity to create consistency before the day begins.
Hunter's mother chose to make TEKNON part of her family's routine after taking the time to research it and decide it was the right fit for them.
Whether it's before school, or a summer school program, building one reliable morning habit can help create a sense of structure during busy seasons.
There are some things that can lengthen the time it takes to see an improvement in one's neuropathy symptoms.
Heavy drinking of coffee, tea and soft drinks (including de-caffeinated coffee, tea and soft drinks) cause the loss of both water and water-soluble B vitamins from the body.
Heavy smoking or drinking of alcohol, use of antibiotics, as well as stress can all burn up B vitamins.
And of course, there are many prescription medications that may have side effects that directly affect your nerves.
Nerve damage or nerve pain (also known as neuropathy) is often caused by a deficiency of specific B vitamins.
B vitamins are an important building block for the nerves.
Fortunately, the RHP Nerve Support Products supply the precise ingredients needed to help build and maintain healthy nerves, and they work extremely well.
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B12 - Causes & Symptoms of Deficiencies
What is the Main Cause of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There are many causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. These include factors such as;
Conditions affecting the stomach such as chronic gastritis, and H pylori infection.
Lack of intrinsic factor and difficulty producing intrinsic factor due to genetic predisposition.
Gut surgery such as gastric bypass surgery for weight loss.
Medication use such as metformin, and proton pump inhibitors like Protonix.
Lack of dietary intake of vitamin B12-rich foods, especially in vegetarians and vegans.
Certain medical conditions such as Crohn’s and celiac diseases as they affect and inflame the gut lining preventing proper absorption or the production of intrinsic factor.
Aging- as it affects production of intrinsic factor and hydrochloric acid.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What happens when you don’t have enough vitamin B12? You get a condition called megaloblastic anemia.
Megaloblastic anemia can be caused by a deficiency in either vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency.
Folate is vitamin B9 and both folate and vitamin B12 are needed to make healthy red blood cells.
And when megaloblastic anemia occurs the red blood cells formed are large-mega, and don’t function properly.
This then leads to anemia and an inability of these cells to carry oxygen to all the cells in the body.
All cells in the body need oxygen. Without sufficient oxygen, symptoms of B12 deficiency start to show up.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN B DEFICIENCY.
It is easy to be deficient and not know it at least in the early stages as the signs can be subtle and easy to miss or dismiss at first.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can be very diverse and can include neurologic symptoms even all the way to some psychiatric problems.
As you can imagine with a vitamin that affects oxygen transport in the body, DNA synthesis, and nerve cell function the symptoms are many.
So let’s examine these symptoms.
Fatigue
When you are deficient in vitamin B12 you may experience weakness and fatigue.
Since vitamin b12 is needed for the production of red blood cells which transport oxygen to the cells, without sufficient oxygen you become anemic.
Cells cannot make energy and metabolic functions are affected causing you to feel weak and tired.
If you are suffering from chronic fatigue and weakness, you need to see your health care provider to determine the cause of your fatigue and weakness.
Determining the cause will help in the right treatment because if you have megaloblastic anemia, it may be caused by a folate deficiency or a b12 deficiency.
Either deficiency leads to impaired DNA synthesis and immature, misshapen large red blood cells which lack the ability to carry oxygen to your organs.
Pins and needles in hands and feet are another sign of vitamin b12 deficiency.
This sensation of tingling and numbness in hands and feet is neuropathy that many associates with diabetes but is also caused by b12 deficiency.
B12 helps to maintain myeline the protective sheath around the nerve fibers.
This sheath also ensures efficient nerve transmission, but when it wears off nerve communication is impaired leading to neuropathy.
You are Colder than Usual
When you are deficient in b12, you feel colder than usual, especially in your hands and feet.
Remember you need a rich supply of red blood cells to keep your body healthy and to supply all the organs with oxygen.
So without enough red blood cells, the body will try to supply the, most essential organs like the brain and leave the hands and feet and this causes you to feel colder in the hands and feet but generally colder all over than usual.
Pale and Yellowish Skin
When you have a vitamin b12 deficiency your body makes abnormal red blood cells that are large and delicate. And due to being delicate, these cells tend to break down easily.
When these red blood cells break down the release of bilirubin gives the skin a yellowish cast that can also make the eye whites look yellowish. Additionally, the skin may look pale due to a lack of sufficient oxygen.
Remember you need healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen to all organs including the skin.
Brain Fog
When you have a b12 deficiency, you may find that you have brain fog.
You experience forgetfulness, lack of concentration, unclear thinking, and are slow to complete tasks.
B12 is essential in central nervous system function and a deficiency means your brain function is affected impairing your ability to think clearly.
And in advanced stages, cognitive impairment can occur leading to signs of dementia.
Studies including this 2020 study found a reversal in symptoms of cognition and memory impairment after subjects were treated with vitamin b12.
If you are experiencing brain fog, and impaired memory and cognition, a b12 deficiency may be implicated.
Lack of Balance - Impaired Coordination
When vitamin b12 goes too long without being treated, neurological problems can get worse. You see vitamin b12 is required to generate and maintain myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. Myelin breaks down and leaves nerve fibers exposed affecting their ability to transmit nerve impulses.
This at first causes one to experience peripheral neuropathy, pins, and needles in hands and feet, and eventually muscle weakness.
This causes muscle weakness, numbness, problems with balance, and difficulty walking.
Hair Loss
Signs of vitamin b12 deficiency There are many causes of hair loss, especially in women. So it is important to get to the bottom of it when you notice increased hair shedding and thinning.
However, by the time you notice actual thinning in hair or bald spots, you may have been losing hair for a long time.
Some causes of hair loss may include thyroid health problems, B vitamins deficiency especially vitamin b12, other nutrient deficiencies like zinc, iron, and also autoimmune diseases like alopecia.
As you now know, vitamin b12 helps in the production of red blood cells.
And when b12 deficiency occurs then that means there aren’t enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to the scalp and the hair follicles. As a result, those cells starve and the rate of hair growth is stunted. Then, hair grows very slowly and increasingly falls out.
If you suspect you are losing more hair than usual, see your health care provider and request they check your b12 levels.
Depression & Other Disorders
Vitamin b12 is essential for the proper functioning of the brain and central nervous system.
Various studies show an association between deficiency and mental health problems including depression. A 2020 study in BMC Psychiatry demonstrated this association. Vitamin b12 is required for neurologic functions. A deficiency can lead to depression, dementia, and even psychosis.
Several case studies in Neurological Medicine 2016 present clear evidence of psychosis and behavioral changes, including dementia that was reversed by the administration of vitamin b12.
Also, research shows that a b12 or folate deficiency can lead to an accumulation of homocysteine, a byproduct of protein breakdown.
When homocysteine accumulates it then leads to DNA damage, and the formation of amyloid proteins which contributes to conditions such as Parkinson’s, vascular dementia due to damage of blood vessels in the brain.
It can also lead to bipolar disorder, epilepsy, depression, and many neuropsychiatric conditions.
Headaches
Research suggests that certain headaches including migraines are associated with low vitamin b12 levels.
A 2012 study of migraine sufferers found a correlation between suffering migraines and low vitamin b12 levels.
Smooth Swollen Tongue
In vitamin b12 deficiency, one may experience a smooth, thick, beefy tongue also known as glossitis. The tongue is red and inflamed and can be painful. Other mouth problems can also occur.
However, other vitamin deficiencies can cause this as well so get checked to establish the cause.
TREATMEN OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
Your health care provider must investigate your symptoms carefully as b12 deficiencies can be mistaken for other health problems. And unfortunately, for the same reason, symptoms may be ignored or misdiagnosed meaning treatment is also delayed.
If your problem is a lack of sufficient intake of food, foods rich in b12 is recommended.
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, b12 supplements will be recommended. Make sure to look for high-quality b12 supplements.
In cases of impaired absorption due to gastritis, gastric bypass, or intestinal conditions such as Crohn’s, or other autoimmune conditions, then b12 injections can be given.
Depending on the level of deficiency big dose of b12 supplementation may be recommended.
FOOD SOURCES OF VITAMIN B12
1. Animal Liver & Kidneys
Liver (Beef, Lamb, or Chicken): Among the richest sources of Vitamin B12, liver is also packed with other essential nutrients like iron, folate, and Vitamin A.
Kidneys (Lamb, Beef): Another excellent source, particularly lamb kidneys, which are high in B12 and other vital nutrients.
2. Clams
Clams are a seafood powerhouse when it comes to Vitamin B12, offering a hefty dose along with protein, iron, and other essential minerals.
3. Sardines
These small fish are not only rich in Vitamin B12 but also provide high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, making them a heart-healthy option.
4. Tuna
Tuna, especially the darker muscles located just below the skin, is a good source of Vitamin B12. It’s also rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Fortified Nutritional Yeast
A popular option among vegetarians and vegans, fortified nutritional yeast is often used as a supplement to boost B12 intake. It has a cheesy flavor and can be sprinkled on various dishes.
6. Trout
This freshwater fish is not only rich in Vitamin B12 but also high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice.
7. Salmon
Salmon is well-known for its high omega-3 content, but it’s also an excellent source of Vitamin B12, particularly wild-caught varieties.
8. Beef
Beef, particularly lean cuts, is a good source of Vitamin B12, along with other essential nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc.
9. Fortified Plant based Milks
Plant-based milks such as almond, soy, and oat milk are often fortified with Vitamin B12, making them a good option for those avoiding animal products.
10. Eggs
Eggs, particularly the yolk, provide a modest amount of Vitamin B12 along with other essential nutrients like protein and Vitamin D.
11. Dairy Products
Milk, yogurt, and cheese are all good sources of Vitamin B12, making them valuable components of a balanced diet.
12. Fortified Tofu
For vegans, fortified tofu can be a useful source of Vitamin B12, providing a plant-based alternative to meat and dairy.
13. Crab
Crab meat is not only delicious but also a rich source of Vitamin B12 and other vital nutrients like selenium and zinc
14. Poultry
Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, can be a good source of Vitamin B12, though the levels are generally lower compared to other animal products like liver, clams, or beef.
EATING SOUCES OF B12
If you regularly eat these foods you are likely to have optimal levels of vitamin b12 unless you have other medical conditions that may prevent vitamin b12 absorption.
Conditions such as diabetes and being on metformin can reduce B12 absorption.
If you have too low hydrochloric acid, or problem producing intrinsic factor necessary for B12 absorption in the gut, then you might have a B12 deficiency.
In such cases you should see your health care provider for B 12 treatment such as by injection. Of course your provider will decide what is best.
FINAL WORDS ABOUT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
A vitamin b12 deficiency can be insidious leading to serious complications. However, a deficiency can successfully be treated by eating foods rich in vitamin b12 or supplementation.
Thrive with Jane.com Oh hey, I'm Jane. I am an RN turned blogger.
