Vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked because its symptoms can develop gradually and resemble many other conditions. If it goes untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage in some cases.
Common signs that are sometimes ignored include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Pale or slightly yellowish skin
- Shortness of breath or dizziness
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Difficulty walking or poor balance
- Memory problems, confusion, or trouble concentrating
- Depression, irritability, or mood changes
- A sore, red, smooth tongue or mouth ulcers
- Blurred or disturbed vision
- Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
People at higher risk include:
- Older adults
- Vegans or strict vegetarians who don’t supplement B12
- People with conditions that reduce B12 absorption (such as pernicious anemia or after certain stomach or intestinal surgeries)
- People taking some medications for a long time, such as metformin or acid-reducing medicines
A blood test can usually help diagnose B12 deficiency, often including a complete blood count and a vitamin B12 level. In some situations, additional tests such as methylmalonic acid or homocysteine levels may be useful.
If you have numbness, balance problems, significant memory changes, or vision changes, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly, as early treatment improves the chance of preventing lasting nerve damage.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, tell me:
- Your age
- Your diet (do you eat meat, dairy, or eggs?)
- Which symptoms you have and how long you’ve had them
I can help you assess whether vitamin B12 deficiency is a possibility and what to discuss with a healthcare professional.
