5 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Fatigue and weakness. Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. If you don’t have enough vitamin B12, your body won’t be able to make enough red blood cells, and you’ll experience fatigue and weakness.
- Pale skin. Another sign of vitamin B12 deficiency is pale skin. This is because the lack of red blood cells means that there’s less oxygen being carried to the skin, which makes it appear pale.
- A smooth tongue. Vitamin B12 is also important for the health of your tongue. If you don’t have enough vitamin B12, your tongue may become smooth and red.
- Nerve problems. Vitamin B12 is also essential for the health of your nerves. If you don’t have enough vitamin B12, you may experience nerve problems such as numbness, tingling, and pain in your hands and feet.
- Vision problems. In rare cases, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to vision problems such as blurred vision or loss of night vision.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to get tested for vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency is easily treated with injections or supplements.
Here are some other signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency that are less common:
- Depression
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Constipation
- Weight loss
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor to get tested for vitamin B12 deficiency.
The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition called pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder that prevents your body from absorbing vitamin B12 from food. Other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- A diet that is low in vitamin B12
- Certain medications, such as metformin
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Celiac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Ileal resection
If you’re concerned that you may have vitamin B12 deficiency, talk to your doctor. They can order a blood test to check your vitamin B12 levels. If your levels are low, your doctor can recommend treatment options.