[Alli]

Early, Noticeable Symptoms of Overt B12 Deficiency:

* unusual fatigue - Yes.

* faulty digestion - Yes.

* no appetite - Yes.

* nausea - Yes.

* loss of menstruation - This is a no, I have it right now.

(According to this website- http://www.veganhealth.org/b12/sympt)

I'm going to see a doctor today and get my bloodwork done, but I'm very worried and scared... The outcomes of B12 deficiency are completely frightening. Dementia, blindness?

This may just be the flu, but if it is B12 deficiency, I don't want to give up veganism. This won't be a problem for me, as I am willing to do everything in my power to keep my B12 levels high while still boycotting all animal products, but my parents will probably force me back into vegetarianism or even omnivorism.

I've been taking supplements (250 mcg per day, upped to 500 mcg a day recently) and eating fortified foods, but I'm still really scared about this. Is it possible to get B12 deficiency while still taking supplements and getting it in fortified foods (rice milk)?

 

[catswym]

it seems very very unlikely.

exhaustion and nausea can be symptoms of MANY MANY things. if you still have menstruation and are not experiencing numbness and are taking supplements, i doubt it's a B12 issue.

that said, blood tests can't hurt. if you are deficient despite taking supplements, they may recommend shots for you. but again, i'm doubtful this is the issue.

 

[nat*star]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alli

* unusual fatigue - Yes.

* faulty digestion - Yes.

* no appetite - Yes.

* nausea - Yes.

* loss of menstruation - This is a no, I have it right now.

These are all signs of stress also.

Recently (like 5 months ago) I started to feel really stomache sick, and tired just before and during my monthly. I also get loss of appetite these days too (used to be I would eat and eat). Our bodies change and so it could just be your symptoms changing?

See a doctor to confirm though (its better safe then sorry).

 

[meatless]

Alli, you've been vegan for two months. It's highly unlikely you're B12 deficient. I think it's a good thing to take precautions though.

 

[Alli]

Alright, it's probably me just being overly paranoid then. I think I'm still going to go see a doctor and get my bloodwork done just so I can see how I'm doing on everything.

 

[Diana]

Alli, you cannot become B12 deficient in two months! It would take at least up to five years for this to occur. Your body stocks B12 for years.

If you're taking supplements, you cannot be deficient UNLESS your body has the inability to absorb B12, but then this would have nothing to do with veganism.

 

[Alli]

Okay, thanks guys, I feel a lot better about this now.

Heh. I feel really lame for posting this now.

 

[nat*star]

If you dont ask how would you learn, i think its good you're being careful.

 

[Alli]

Thanks.

I just don't want to seriously mess something up with my body, have my parents flip out and blame veganism, and then not be allowed to do it anymore. That would just suck.

 

[Yogacalypso]

You haven't been vegan long enough to have a B12 deficiency.

 

[IamJen]

Ditto to what others have said about the timespan. It's good to go see the doc however, because no matter what the cause, you're still having some troubles. Iron deficiency, eating disorders, viruses, stress, pregnancy, overexercising (just for starters) could also be a cause.

 

[Alli]

Yeah, I have an appointment soon so no worries there.

 

[das_nut]

Technically, it would be highly unlikely, but not impossible for her to be deficient.

There are several disorders that can lower B12 to dangerous levels with or without a vegan diet.

 

[cryptoveggie]

Also the syptoms aren't everything. My doc identified a b12 deficincy in me and I never had any of those symptoms outside of normal.

Altough that does remind me, I need to make an appointent to get my bloodwork done again. So I'm glad you posted.

 

[chrismith]

don't feel silly! i'd be freaked out too!

 

[Alli]

Thanks guys.