9 important signs of vitamin B12 deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin B12 or cobalamin (cyanocobalamin), like the lack of other minerals and vitamins needed by the body, can cause some symptoms and physical and mental disorders. Vitamins are the most important compounds needed to regulate the body’s metabolism, and a lack of them will have consequences. Vitamin B12 is also known as “energy” vitamin. Some people consider this vitamin as a miracle cure for weight loss, and therefore, it has gained considerable popularity in weight loss and beauty clinics. The body needs vitamin B12 for various important functions. This vitamin is important for making red blood cells and the normal functioning of nerve cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency, if not diagnosed in time, can have serious and dangerous side effects.
This type of vitamin can not be produced in the body and must be provided by the diet. Most adults get enough of these foods or supplements to meet their daily needs, but in some cases people may be deficient in vitamin B12. In this article, we examine the importance of early detection of vitamin B12 deficiency and its possible side effects.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the most important water-soluble vitamins.
This vitamin plays an important role in nerve function and the production of red blood cells and DNA  . This vitamin is commonly found in foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Some food manufacturers may also add this vitamin to their products. Unfortunately, B12 deficiency is especially common in the elderly. Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when your food is low in this vitamin or your body is unable to absorb the vitamins in food.

Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?


People who may be deficient in vitamin B12 fall into the following groups:

  • Elderly
  • People who have had surgery to remove part of their gut that is responsible for absorbing vitamin B12
  • People taking metformin
  • People who eat only plant foods (vegetarians and vegans)
  • People who have been taking antacids for a long time to prevent sourness.

Unfortunately, it can take years for a person to show signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and it is very difficult to diagnose. In many cases, vitamin B12 deficiency is confused with folate deficiency (vitamin B9) deficiency because vitamin B12 deficiency reduces the amount of folate in the body. In this case, if the diagnosis is incomplete and only folate is consumed, vitamin B12 deficiency may not be detectable and the patient’s problem may remain unsolved.

Here are nine signs of vitamin B12 deficiency so you can see your doctor if necessary.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

1. Pale or yellow skin

One of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is yellow or pale skin.
People with vitamin B12 deficiency are often pale or their skin color and whites of their eyes tend to be yellow. This condition occurs when a deficiency in the production of red blood cells is disrupted due to a deficiency of vitamin B12. In this case, the person develops anemia and his red blood cells are larger and more fragile than normal red blood cells. Because they are large, these red blood cells cannot leave the bone marrow and enter the circulatory system, and there is a small amount of red blood cells in the bloodstream, so the skin looks pale. The fragility of these blood cells causes high levels of bilirubin in the blood and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.


2. Fatigue and physical weakness

If your body is deficient in vitamin B12, it can not produce enough red blood cells, so it can not carry enough oxygen to the body, and the body becomes tired and weak.
Fatigue and weakness are symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a low amount of red blood cells in the body. When the number of red blood cells in the blood is low, oxygen is not distributed in the body and the cells can not receive the oxygen needed for metabolism and activity, and the patient feels weak and tired. In the elderly, anemia
may develop as a result of not absorbing enough B12. In the elderly, the production of a protein responsible for the absorption of vitamin B12 from the intestine is reduced, and their body becomes anemic due to a decrease in the absorption of vitamin B12.


3. Feeling of pain and tingling

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in myelin production. This substance is very important for the proper functioning of the nerves. Pain and tingling in the hands can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.
One of the dangerous side effects of long-term vitamin B12 deficiency is nerve damage. This disorder occurs over time. One of the things that vitamin B12 does in the body is to participate in the production of a substance called myelin that coats around the nerves to protect and insulate the nerves. Without vitamin B12, myelin production is disrupted and the nerves can not function properly. One of the complications of this event is numbness of the limbs or a feeling of pain and tingling in the hands.
Most neurological complications of B12 deficiency are seen with anemia, but one study found that 28% of people with vitamin B12 deficiency neurological complications did not have anemia.
Usually, pain and tingling or drowsiness in the hands can have many causes and can not be considered as a definite sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.


4. Change in movement pattern

Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to loss of balance and altered movement patterns.
If vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated and nerve damage continues, it can lead to changes in a person’s movement and gait pattern. In this case, the person may not be able to maintain balance and fall to the ground more easily. This condition is more common in people who have not been diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency. Treating vitamin B12 deficiency may improve their mobility.


5. Glucocytes and oral plague

One of the early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can be swelling and redness of the tongue, known as glossitis.
Glossitis is a condition in which the tongue becomes sensitive. In this case, the color and dimensions of the tongue change and it becomes painful, red and swollen. This sensitivity may cause the surface of the tongue to become flat and the villi on the tongue responsible for recognizing tastes to be drawn and not visible. It can also interfere with speaking and eating. In some sources, the sensitivity of the tongue along with the spots on its surface are considered as the first signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Some people with vitamin B12 deficiency may experience symptoms such as a sore mouth, pain and tingling in the tongue, or burning and itching in the mouth.


6. Shortness of breath and confusion

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can cause a decrease in oxygen and shortness of breath and confusion.
Shortness of breath and confusion, especially when you want to work out, can be caused by anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency and lack of oxygen needed for activity. These symptoms may be caused by other problems, so consult your doctor if you think you may have shortness of breath.


7. Blurred vision

In rare cases, B12 deficiency can damage and damage the optic nerves, resulting in nasal congestion or blurred vision.
One of the side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency is blurred vision and impaired vision. This disorder occurs when the nerves associated with vision are damaged by a long-term deficiency of vitamin B12. In this case, the nerve message that must reach the eye from the eye is disrupted and impairs vision. This condition may improve after taking B12 supplements.


8. Change of mood

Some people with vitamin B12 deficiency may experience symptoms such as depression, mood swings, and symptoms of brain tissue damage such as hallucinations.
People with vitamin B12 deficiency often experience mood swings. In fact, low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to mood swings and neurological disorders such as depression and hallucinations. According to some sources, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to increased homocysteine ​​and brain damage. As a result of this damage, nerve messages are disrupted and a person’s mood changes. Taking supplements containing this vitamin can reverse the process of brain tissue damage. It should be noted that conditions such as depression and hallucinations can have many causes and it can not be said that taking supplements is the definitive cure for these cases. If you have these conditions, you may be able to speed up your recovery by taking supplements, but there is no way you can substitute supplements for your main medications.


9. Increased body temperature

In very rare cases, vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to fever and chills.
In some cases, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a rise in body temperature. It is not clear what causes this, but in some cases an increase in vitamin B12 has stopped the fever in patients. However, it should be noted that fever and fever are often due to certain diseases and may not be related to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Last word:


Vitamin B12 deficiency is very common and can appear in the form of various symptoms and is very difficult to diagnose. Be sure to consult your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. In most people, taking vitamin B12-containing substances can help prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, and by taking  a vitamin B12 test , you can find out enough levels of this vitamin in the body.

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