Don’t Ignore These 7 Warning Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency!

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body. It has special function in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and in the nervous system. If left untreated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to prolonged blood diseases as well as nerve-related issues. Here are 7 warning signs associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency.

1. Dizziness

Frequent bouts about dizziness and vertigo can indicate B12 deficiency. You may experience a feeling of wobbliness when you get up too fast from a sitting position. You may also feel dizzy when you climb up or down the stairs. Chronic vertigo symptoms should be brought to your doctor’s attention so you can be given the required treatment for the deficiency.¹

2. Forgetfulness

You put your keys in the fridge. Or have to think hard to remember your niece’s name. You may be worried that it’s early dementia, but sometimes low B12 is to blame. Chronic and uncharacteristic forgetfulness may indicate a B12 deficiency. This is because vitamin B12 helps form the protective sheath – myelin sheath – on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves and helps them function well. Many patients assume that they are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, especially in their senior years, while all they lack is B12.²

3. Muscle Weakness

Does that grocery bag feels like a million pounds? If they’re not getting enough oxygen from red blood cells, your muscles will feel like mush. Lack of vitamin B12 reduces the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the muscles. Insufficient oxygen to muscles can result in sluggishness and uncharacteristic muscle weakness. Suddenly an individual who carries big loads might not be able to manage a heavy purse or a gym bag.³

4. Pale Complexion

If your rosy complexion now has a yellow cast, low B12 may be the culprit. Those suffering from B12 deficiency are pale in complexion due to the lack of red blood cells, which causes megaloblastic anemia.⁴

5. Pins And Needles

Experiencing pins and needles throughout your body could be signs of B12 deficiency. This tingling or tickling sensation is known as paraesthesia and is a common complaint in cases of B12 deficiency.⁵ This could be a result of nerve damage in B12 deficient patients as nerve cells become demyelinated – that is, the myelin sheath becomes damaged – in the absence of B12.

6. Unexplained Fatigue

Fatigue felt for days even though you regularly get a good night’s sleep may be the result of a B12 deficiency. This is due to the lack of red blood cell production, which is one of B12’s responsibilities. Lack of red blood cells means oxygen transport to your organs is lacking, which is what is causing extreme fatigue. In fact, fatigue symptoms in patients of chronic fatigue syndrome can be improved by administering a substantial amount of vitamin B12.⁶

But unexplained fatigue can also be caused by low blood pressure.

7. Vision Issues

Low B12 stores over the long term can lead to vision changes and damage your vision, causing optic neuropathy.⁷ Megaloblastic anemia often leads to the degeneration of the optic nerve that transmits impulses from the retina to the brain.⁸ However, supplements can restore full vision. Prevent vitamin B12 deficiency with these foods if you are a vegan and these foods if you aren’t one.