Any sudden fluttering in the heart can give you a reason to worry. It can be a common experience for many. But not all unusual sensations happen in our hearts because of an underlying heart condition. Our hearts regulate the flow of blood that connects the entire body. So, it is normal for it to flutter a little due to tiny malfunctions. Heart palpitations can also happen due to dietary deficiencies or psychological stress. Persistent deficiencies in an individual’s diet can cause many physiological problems in people. Heart palpitations can occur due to the deficiency of vitamin B12.
Functions Of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the important B-complex vitamins. It helps in the production of energy in our bodies. According to the dietitian Robert Wildman and his book “The Nutritionist: Food, Nutrition and Optimal Health”, main objective of vitamin B12 is to produce energy in association with other B12 vitamins. Vitamin B12 also helps in the maintenance of the myelin sheath around the nerves, absorption of folate and in the breaking down of fatty acids and amino acids for the production of ATP. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in maintaining healthy nerves.
Know Thy Heart
According to Dr. Marc Goldstein, heart palpitations feels like rapid and irregular beating of the heart out of the blue. Generally, we don’t notice our heartbeat. Palpitation of heart can be felt when our hearts start beating at the rate of 100 beats per minute. In this case, you can feel your heart in your throat, neck and chest. There are many reasons why heart palpitations can happen. Some of those reasons can be health-related and some can be psychological. Anemia, hypothyroidism can be some of the health-related conditions. Anxiety is a psychological condition and heart palpitation can be a physical manifestation of anxiety.
Other Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Fatigue can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. The inability to remain awake during afternoons can be one of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Muscle fatigue can be another symptom of this. Brain fog can also happen due to this. Sudden dizziness can be another tell. Vitamin B12 deficiency can make your skin pale and tongue red. So, if you are exhibiting all these symptoms other than sudden heart palpitations, then consult a doctor today for an accurate diagnosis.
One of the symptoms of anemia is also heart palpitations. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause reduction in the number of red blood cells. This can lead to heart palpitations, weakness and fatigue. Vegetarians are more likely to face this kind of anemia.
Sources Of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamine. Foods rich in vitamin B12 mostly come from animal sources. This is the reason why vegetarians are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficient anemia. Shellfish, liver, crab, red meat, fortified cereals, cheese, low fat diary and eggs are great sources of vitamin B12. Other than this, tofu is an excellent vegan source of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 can be ingested in large quantities as our bodies can get rid of excess vitamin B12 through excretion. And our bodies can also store excess vitamin B12 in the liver for use later during a scarcity.
Correct Diagnosis
It is best to consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis. It is important not to assume the disease and start taking medications of any sort. Doctor-prescribed blood tests can reveal the real reason. So, consult a doctor to rule out other conditions before you start taking any vitamin B12 medications. You can treat this condition by improving your diet or taking oral supplements.
So, consult a physician today for correct diagnosis and prognosis of vitamin B12 deficiency.
