Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for overall health, not just for preventing cardiovascular issues and weight gain. It ensures that your body receives all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally. Vitamin B, especially B12, obtained from meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, plays a vital role in various bodily functions. However, many individuals, particularly older adults, vegetarians, and vegans, may fall short of their recommended B12 intake.
“Vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common and can impact nerve and brain health, energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation,” explains Samantha Turner, MPH, RDN, a registered dietitian. Recognizing the signs of insufficient B12 levels is crucial, even though a doctor’s visit is often necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Fatigue is a common indicator of a potential B12 deficiency. The nutrient is essential for healthy red blood cell production and oxygen delivery, so low B12 levels can lead to decreased energy levels and overall tiredness. Fertility issues may also arise due to B12 deficiency, affecting egg quality and embryo development.
Numbness, tingling, and neurological effects can signal a deficiency in vitamin B12. Changes in nerve function may manifest as sensations like pins and needles in extremities, along with irritability, abnormal gait, and impaired senses. Severe deficiencies can even mimic psychiatric symptoms or dementia-like effects.
Mouth soreness, particularly glossitis, can occur with vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to painful tongue inflammation. Additionally, anemia caused by misshapen red blood cells from B12 deficiency can result in pale skin color, although some individuals may experience mild symptoms or none at all, especially in cases of mild deficiency or pernicious anemia.
