Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Vitamin B12, also called "cobalamine, " is crucial for several bodily functions, from supporting the nervous system to boosting energy levels. However, as the body can't produce it and you don't receive enough of it, its deficiency can lead to some health issues. From shortness of breath to fatigue, there are several symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency that you need to be aware of as in certain cases, the symptoms might go unnoticed, making early diagnosis crucial! This blog will help you understand all the potential signs of B12 deficiency to ensure your health is on track.

10 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The following are the 10 most common signs of low vitamin B12 levels:

1. Fatigue and Weakness

Vitamin B-12 can promote the development of red blood cells (RBCs) which help in carrying oxygen to the body. When there is less RBC production, the lack of energy and oxygen can make you feel tired and weak. 

2. Pale Skin

The deficiency of Vitamin B-12 can cause the skin to turn pale. In addition, reduced production of red blood cells in the body can turn the skin blue or yellowing, primarily pale.

3. Shortness of Breath

As there is a decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues due to the lesser production of RBCs, individuals often notice physical exhaustion, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath.

4. Numbness in the Body

Vitamin B-12 is essential for maintaining the health of the nervous system. Its deficiency can lead to damage in the body which can often cause numbness, leading to tingling or burning sensations in the body.

5. Lightheadedness

Low levels of vitamin B-12 can affect the brain and the nervous system. That can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. It happens in cases of severe deficiency of vitamin B-12.

6. Poor Balance & Coordination

Improper consumption of vitamin B-12 can also lead to nerve function and muscle control issues. This can lead to problems like balance loss and coordination issues. This deficiency can also increase the risk of developing injuries and falling on the ground.

7. Memory Problems

Vitamin B-12 is essential for correcting brain functioning. By impairing the myelin (a protective layer around nerve) production, it impacts the signal transmission in the brain, leading to memory problems, and dementia.

8. Depression 

Research reports that a deficiency of vitamin B-12 can lead to increased mood and emotional changes like depression. By producing mood-affecting brain chemicals, building homocysteine, and damaging myelin sheaths, it contributes to depression.

9. Vision Problems

A deficiency of vitamin B-12 can lead to blurred vision or double vision and other problems related to eyesight or vision issues. A study shows that it happens due to optic neuropathy which occurs when the optic nerve gets damaged by lack of vitamin B12. 

10. Mouth Ulcers

Lower vitamin B-12 can interrupt the production of new cells in the oral mucosa which causes the tissues in the mouth to break down and develop ulcers. Along with ulcers, glossitis due to B12 deficiency also occurs. Glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue.

Note: If you suspect or notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor without any delay to prevent further complications.

Complications Associated with Vitamin B12 Deficiency

In case of early detection, symptoms can be treated. However, if ignored or left untreated, it can lead to an increased risk of certain health complications due to its lasting effects on the brain and nervous system. The risks may include:

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Degeneration of the spinal cord

• Erectile dysfunction

• Paralysis

• Bowel incontinence

• Urinary incontinence

• Depression

• Paranoia and delusions

• Memory loss

Importance of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a very important nutrient that your body needs. It helps make DNA, gives you energy, and keeps your nervous system working right. Research shows that up to 20 out of 100 people over 60 years old in the United States and the United Kingdom don't get enough vitamin B12. They often don't get enough in their food, don't absorb it well from food, have medical problems, or take medicines that lower B12 levels.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is determined as follows:

Recommended Vitamin B12 Dosage

The recommended daily amounts of vitamin B12 by age include:

What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

These are the potential contributing factors to vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Lack of vitamin B12 in the diet

• Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)

• Pernicious anemia ( where the body can't absorb vitamin B12 from food)

• Digestive diseases like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease

• Gastrointestinal surgery such as gastric bypass, also called weight loss surgery

• Alcohol use disorder

• Transcobalamin II deficiency (impairing transfer of vitamin B12 to the body parts)

Risk Factors for Deficiency of Vitamin B12

If you are wondering who is at more risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency, check these risk factors that increase the chances:

• Being over 75 years old, as the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 completely.

• Living with digestive diseases like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease makes it tough to absorb vitamins.

• Are vegan or vegetarian as vitamin B12 is largely found in animal-derived foods.

• Takes certain medications like diabetes medicines, histamine H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, or oral birth control pills.

• Have Sjögren's syndrome, increasing the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency 6 times more.

• Excessive alcohol intake can cause damage to the digestive system, leading to poor absorption of vitamin B12.

How to Treat the Deficiency of Vitamin B-12?

The treatment of vitamin B-12 deficiency can depend upon the deficiency's causes and severity.

• Vitamin B12-rich Diet: If a lack of vitamin B-12 in the diet is the reason, add foods rich in vitamin B-12 like fish, eggs, and dairy products to the diet. Vegetarians can opt for certified cereals and nutritional yeast.

• Supplementation: In case of poor absorption issues of vitamin B-12 like pernicious anemia, take vitamin B-12 injections, oral tablets and capsules, and nasal gels or sprays.

• Lifestyle Changes: If you have bad lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking alcohol, quit them completely to prevent poor absorption and utilization of vitamin B-12.

If you are experiencing more symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, get in touch with vitamin-deficient doctors near you.

Tips To Increase Vitamin B12 Levels

Consider these tips to increase vitamin B12 levels and prevent its deficiency:

• Consume B12-rich Foods: Include meat, fish, eggs, and milk in your everyday diet to meet your vitamin B12 requirement.

• Have Fortified Foods: If you are vegetarian or vegan, eat plant-based foods such as breakfast cereals, plant milk, or nutritional yeast.

• Consider Vitamin B12 Supplements: If you are elderly, vegan, or have some absorption problems, consider supplements. However, always discuss it with the doctor first.

• Limit Alcohol Use: As frequent use of alcohol can cause damage to the digestive system, it can make it challenging for the body to absorb vitamin B12, thus, interrupting B12 absorption.

• Manage your Pre-existing Digestive Diseases: With the doctor's guidance, manage your digestive diseases like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease to stay healthy.

• Get Health Check-ups: Regularly go for health check-ups to keep track of your B12 levels, particularly if you are living with conditions like Crohn’s or celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

These are the potential symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, from fatigue, and lightheadedness to dizziness and pale skin. etc., Always keep a watch over these signs as they can give rise to other severe conditions. Thus, it is crucial to get in touch with a doctor and get a prescription for how you have developed the situation and how to get rid of it. Taking vitamin B12-rich foods, treating absorption issues, and quitting bad lifestyle habits can help treat vitamin B12 deficiency.