A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a number of symptoms that can be easily missed or dismissed as being caused by something else. Here are nine key signs to look out for
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient for maintaining overall health – but many people may not be getting enough of it in their diet.
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the body’s production of new red blood cells, nerves, and DNA. It also contributes to several other daily bodily functions, yet a significant number of people suffer from a deficiency. Unlike vitamin D, which the body can naturally produce, vitamin B12 must be obtained through food, making it essential to consume enough B12-rich foods. However, recognising a deficiency can be challenging, reports the Express.
One of the most common symptoms of a B12 deficiency is a change in your tongue, as reported by medical website WebMD. Your tongue might appear smoother than usual and become especially painful when eating certain foods, such as hot spices or citrus fruits. Some individuals may also experience a general feeling of numbness. This could be due to nerve damage and might feel similar to pins and needles.
“Do your hands, feet, or legs feel like they’re on ‘pins and needles’? ,” asked WebMD. “A shortage of B12 can damage the protective sheath that covers your nerves. “Diseases like celiac, Crohn’s, or other gut illnesses may make it harder for your body to absorb the vitamin. So can taking some heartburn drugs. You may get ulcers on your gums or tongue. They could be a sign of low B12, anaemia, or another condition. The sores usually clear up on their own, but it helps to avoid ingredients that might be irritating or painful, like vinegar, citrus, and hot spices like chilli powder.”
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include numbness, feeling colder than usual, brain fog, weakness, a smooth tongue, heart palpitations, mouth sores, constipation, and weight loss. To boost your B12 levels, tuck into animal products and certain fortified breakfast cereals. Adults are advised to aim for about 1.5mcg of vitamin B12 daily. Meat-eaters typically get enough B12 from their diet, but vegans could be at risk of deficiency, the NHS has cautioned. In these instances, your doctors might advise – or even prescribe – high-dose vitamin B12 supplements
According to the NHS, you should visit a GP if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. It says: “See a GP if you’re experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia. These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test. It’s important for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated.”
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms
