Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop gradually, and because the body stores substantial amounts of B12, symptoms may take years to appear.
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Office of Dietary Supplements
Possible signs include:
Persistent tiredness or weakness
Pins and needles or numbness, especially in the hands and feet
Muscle weakness
Balance or coordination problems
Memory, concentration, or thinking difficulties
Mood changes, including depression or confusion
A sore or unusually red tongue
Mouth ulcers
Pale skin or heart palpitations
Changes in vision
Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
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Office of Dietary Supplements
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Why it matters
B12 deficiency isn’t simply about feeling tired. Untreated deficiency can affect the nervous system, and some neurological damage can become permanent.
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nhs.uk
Risk can be higher in people who eat little or no animal products, have certain stomach or intestinal conditions or surgeries, or take medications such as metformin or proton-pump inhibitors.
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Office of Dietary Supplements
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Don’t assume these symptoms mean you have B12 deficiency—many other conditions can cause them. A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and use blood testing when appropriate.
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nhs.uk
If you’re experiencing persistent numbness, weakness, balance problems, or cognitive changes, it’s worth getting evaluated rather than simply starting supplements on your own.
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