Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a health condition where the body doesn’t receive an adequate supply of this essential nutrient. It is crucial for the body as it helps produce red blood cells and form the DNA.

Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency causes various problems in physical, neurological, and psychological domains. Hence, recognising and addressing this deficiency is crucial for maintaining overall health and vitality.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 benefits the body by maintaining the health of the nerve cells and blood cells and facilitating the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material in the cells. Unlike other nutrients, the body does not produce vitamin B12 internally, so it must be obtained through vitamin B12-rich foods. This essential vitamin is found in animal-derived foods like meat, dairy products, and eggs. Additionally, it can be obtained from certain cereals, breads, and nutritional yeast.

What are the Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Here are some common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency:

1. Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B12 (commonly seen in vegans and vegetarians)
2. Pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune condition affecting the absorption of vitamin B12
3. Gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease, atrophic gastritis or Crohn’s disease
4. Certain medications that disturb vitamin B12 absorption
5. Ageing (as the body’s ability to absorb B12 from the food decreases with age)
6. Conditions affecting the small intestine (hindering proper absorption of B12)

What are Common Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms often affect various aspects of health. These symptoms include:

1. Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling unusually tired and lacking energy, even after a good sleep, is a common early sign of B12 deficiency.
2. Pale or Jaundiced Skin: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause the skin to appear unusually pale or even jaundiced (yellowish) due to its impact on red blood cell production.
3. Numbness and Tingling: Many individuals with a B12 deficiency experience a sensation of numbness or tingling, often in the hands and feet. This is due to damage to the nerves caused by the deficiency.
4. Difficulty Walking and Balancing: As the deficiency progresses, it can lead to difficulties with coordination and balance, making walking and other motion skills challenging.
5. Cognitive and Mood Changes: B12 deficiency can affect mental well-being, leading to cognitive issues such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating. Mood changes like depression and irritability can also occur.
6. Glossitis (Inflamed Tongue): A swollen, red, and painful tongue, known as glossitis, is also a symptom of B12 deficiency.
7. Heart Palpitations: Some individuals may experience irregular heartbeats or palpitations due to the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency on cardiovascular functions.
8. Vision Problems: Blurred or distorted vision can occur due to nerve damage associated with B12 deficiency.
9. Anaemia Symptoms: B12 deficiency often leads to megaloblastic anaemia, which can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, weakness, and pale skin.

What are Some Less Common Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

While the above symptoms are more prevalent, vitamin B12 deficiency can also have some less common symptoms like:

1. Neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves can result in neuropathy, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in various body parts.
2. Muscle Weakness: Some individuals may experience muscle weakness and reduced muscle mass due to B12 deficiency’s impact on nerve function.
3. Fertility Issues: In rare cases, vitamin B12 deficiency can adversely affect fertility in both men and women, potentially leading to difficulty conceiving.

It is essential to note that these symptoms can differ depending on severity and vary from individual to individual.

What are Vitamin B12 Tests and Normal Range?

When assessing vitamin B12 levels, it is important to understand the normal range and what it signifies. While the exact vitamin B12 normal range may vary depending on the laboratory conducting this test, a standard range for vitamin B12 in the bloodstream generally falls between 190 and 950 picograms per millilitre (pg/mL).

Here’s what these levels mean:

1. Normal Range (190-950 pg/mL): If the vitamin B12 levels fall within this range, it indicates enough supply of this essential nutrient, and there isn’t an immediate cause for concern regarding a deficiency.
2. Borderline (200-300 pg/mL): Falling between 200 and 300 pg/mL is considered borderline. In this range, the doctor may opt for further testing to understand the B12 status better. Borderline levels can indicate an early deficiency stage, and intervention may be needed to prevent it from worsening.
3. Low (<200 pg/mL): If the vitamin B12 levels are below 200 pg/mL, this is considered low and indicates a deficiency. More extensive testing is typically required to determine the main cause and severity of the deficiency.

Sometimes, the doctor may also assess folate levels alongside vitamin B12 levels. This is because low folate (vitamin B9) can produce symptoms similar to those of low vitamin B12. Combining both tests helps in pinpointing the exact cause of the symptoms.

If vitamin B12 test results fall within the normal range, there’s generally no immediate cause for concern, and people can maintain their health by continuing to consume a balanced diet. Sources of vitamin B12 include fish, meat, dairy products, and fortified foods like cereal and milk.

Monitoring vitamin B12 levels and recognising the signs of deficiency can be a proactive step towards maintaining overall well-being.