8 Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and What to Do About It

 

Of all vitamin deficiencies, vitamin B12 is undoubtedly one of the most important. Vitamin B12 is involved in numerous processes in our body, such as the production of DNA and red blood cells. Unfortunately, however, this deficiency is also one of the most common: below we list 8 symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Pale, yellowish skin. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a form of anemia, which is why one of the symptoms is a pale yellow discoloration of the skin, caused by the breakdown of red blood cells.

Numbness and tingling. A deficiency of this vitamin directly affects the nerves, causing both symptoms, often accompanied by problems maintaining balance.

Mood swings. The same neurological effects that cause the previous symptoms can impact mood. Anxiety, depression, and constant mood swings can be symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, which is essential for regulating hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.

Red tongue. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause loss of papillae on the tongue. If your tongue is red and you can’t taste food, try having your vitamin B12 levels checked with a blood test.

Vision problems. A severe vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the optic nerve, causing blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and, in some cases, even blindness.Burning feet. Nerve damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest as a burning sensation in the feet.

Difficulty walking. If you can’t maintain your balance while walking, the cause may be neurological damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.

Memory loss. Difficulty concentrating and memory loss are two of the most common neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Consult a doctor to check for a vitamin B12 deficiency, identify the cause, and find the best way to supplement your diet.