Vitamin B12 deficiency: 5 symptoms you shouldn't ignore
Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency (photo: Freepik)
Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the nervous system, blood formation, and energy metabolism. Its deficiency can go unnoticed for years, gradually causing fatigue, dizziness, numbness in the limbs, and cognitive impairments, according to Eating Well.
Feeling extreme fatigue and weakness
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that experiencing constant fatigue and weakness could be an early sign of low vitamin B12 levels.
When B12 levels are low, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively. This means that tissues and organs do not receive the necessary oxygen, leaving you feeling exhausted even after a full night's sleep.
As a result, low vitamin B12 levels can make everyday tasks more difficult and tiring than usual.
Pale or yellowish skin
According to MedlinePlus, another subtle sign of vitamin B12 deficiency is a change in skin color. When B12 levels drop, the resulting shortage of red blood cells can lead to paleness and dullness of the skin.
In some cases, the skin or the whites of the eyes may even develop a slight yellow tint, indicating mild jaundice. This happens because, without sufficient B12, red blood cells become fragile and break down easily, releasing a pigment called bilirubin, which can give the skin a yellowish hue.
Numbness in the hands or feet
Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the protective sheath around nerves. Without sufficient amounts, nerve signals can be disrupted, causing tingling, burning, or numbness, which typically first occurs in the extremities.
If left untreated, this can lead to balance problems, difficulty walking, and even permanent nerve damage.
Memory or mood changes
If your memory starts to decline or your mood changes more rapidly than usual, it could be a sign of B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 helps produce neurotransmitters that affect mood and cognitive function, so that low levels can impact mental sharpness and emotional well-being.
When brain cells do not receive the necessary nutrients, you may experience forgetfulness, mental fog, anxiety, or even depression.
Tongue pain
A less well-known symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is a severely reddened and painful tongue. Vitamin B12 plays a key role in cell regulation. A deficiency can cause the tiny bumps that contain taste buds to disappear, resulting in pain, smoothness, and changes in taste perception.
How to increase vitamin B12 intake
Since vitamin B12 naturally occurs in animal-based foods, you can meet your needs by eating lean meat, fish and seafood, dairy products, and egg yolks.
For vegetarians, getting the recommended amount of B12 from natural sources can be more challenging.
Vitamin B12 supplements are more effective than food because they do not require stomach acid or other enzymes for absorption. They are recommended for adults over 50 and for those following mostly plant-based diets.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
