Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the nervous system, and if left untreated, health can cause long-term problems.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency occur when the body lacks important nutrients for some time. As the deficiency becomes more pronounced, many debilitating symptoms can develop.
But what are the signs and symptoms of deficiency to watch out for? Here is everything you need to know.
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(Image: PA)
What symptoms indicate deficiency?
Lack of B12 can cause vision problems, memory loss, paresthesia, and ataxia.
Paresthesia is the sensation of pins and needles in the limbs of the body, such as the hands and feet, and ataxia is the loss of physical coordination.
Peripheral neuropathy can also occur, especially in the legs, causing numbness, tingling, or shooting pain.
In addition, weakness in the legs can increase mobility problems.
“If neurological problems occur, they can be irreversible,” the NHS warned.
Daytime malaise is one of the main symptoms of B12 deficiency. This is because low levels of this vitamin reduce the number of red blood cells in the body.
The main task of these red blood cells is to transport oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.
A lack of red blood cells leads to fatigue.
A deficiency of any of these vitamins can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Extreme fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Pins and needles (paresthesia)
- Painful and red tongue
- Oral ulcer
- Weakness
- Visual impairment
- Psychological problems that may include depression and confusion
- Problems of memory, understanding and judgment
If you suspect vitamin B12 deficiency, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
A simple blood test arranged by your doctor can help you determine if you are actually deficient in vitamin B12.
Which underlying health condition leads to vitamin B12 deficiency?
One of the most common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK is pernicious anemia.
This is an acquired autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system begins to attack cells in the stomach.
The cells of the stomach are involved in the production of proteins called intrinsic factors.
Intrinsic factor is needed to bind to any vitamin B12 you get from the food you eat.
The combination of intrinsic factor and vitamin B12 allows the intestines to reabsorb nutrients into the body.
In the absence of intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 is lost with feces.
The main symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, bloody stools, malaise, and weight loss.
“Symptoms may be constant, or they may come and go every few weeks or months,” the NHS added.
There is no cure for the symptoms, but treatments can be given to reduce or control the symptoms.
Treatment may include medications such as steroid tablets, injections, and surgery to remove a small part of the digestive system.
“Usually, a team of medical professionals, including general practitioners, specialist nurses, and specialist doctors, can help you,” said the NHS.
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