7 symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency you shouldn't ignore, doctor explains why

Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common than many people realise. The major challenge is that its signs often appear slowly, so they are easy to ignore or blame on stress or a busy lifestyle.

One of the earliest and most common signs is constant tiredness. This is not normal tiredness that goes away with rest. You may feel weak or low on energy all the time.

Fatigue, tingling or numbness

“Vitamin B12 helps in making healthy red blood cells and carrying oxygen in the body,” Dr Santosh Kumar Agrawal, Director, Internal Medicine, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Faridabad, tells Moneycontrol. “When levels are low, the body does not get enough oxygen, which leads to fatigue,” he adds.

Also read | 6 nutrient deficiencies that explain why you're tired all the time

Another common symptom, Dr Agrawal notes, is tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. “It may feel like pins and needles. This happens because low B12 levels can affect the nerves over time. If ignored, it can become more serious,” he adds.

Some people also feel dizzy or have trouble keeping their balance. You may feel unsteady while walking or standing. This can affect your daily routine and should not be overlooked.

Pale skin, mouth ulcers

Moreover, changes in appearance can also give clues. Dr Agarwal informs, “Your skin may look pale or slightly yellow. You might also notice a swollen, smooth tongue or painful mouth ulcers. These can make eating or speaking uncomfortable. These are important signs that are often ignored,”

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also affect your mind. Says Dr Agrawal, “You may have trouble remembering things or find it hard to focus. Mood changes are also common.” Some people feel more irritable, anxious, or even depressed. “Low B12 levels can impact brain function, but people rarely connect these symptoms to a deficiency,” adds Dr Agrawal.

Also read | Nutritional deficiencies: 8 signs and symptoms to watch out for and how to reduce health risks

Also, in some cases, people may feel short of breath or notice a fast heartbeat, especially during physical activity. This happens because the body struggles to carry enough oxygen due to a lack of healthy red blood cells.

Permanent nerve damage

Dr Agarwal shares that it is important not to ignore these signs, especially if you notice more than one symptom. “If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious problems like permanent nerve damage,” he warns.

On a positive note, the doctor adds, it can be diagnosed with a simple test and treated easily. Paying attention to these early signs and seeking medical advice can help you stay healthy and avoid complications.

FAQs on Vitamin B12 Deficiency

1. What is vitamin B12 deficiency and why is it often missed?

Vitamin B12 deficiency develops slowly, so symptoms like tiredness or mood changes are easily blamed on stress or a busy lifestyle. This makes it more common and often missed until it becomes serious.

2. What are the early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Constant tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest, weakness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, dizziness, and trouble keeping balance are common early signs that should not be ignored.

3. How does vitamin B12 deficiency affect the body?

Vitamin B12 helps make healthy red blood cells and carry oxygen. Low levels reduce oxygen supply, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, nerve problems, and changes in skin, tongue, and mouth.

4. Can vitamin B12 deficiency affect mood and memory?

Yes. It can cause trouble remembering things, difficulty focusing, and mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or feeling depressed, because low B12 levels can impact brain function.

5. Is vitamin B12 deficiency serious and can it be treated?

If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems like permanent nerve damage. The good news is it can be diagnosed with a simple test and treated easily, so early medical advice is important.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.