14 Common Symptoms And Signs Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

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You might be wondering what exactly Vitamin B12 is and why is it so important to the body? And that’s because Vitamin B12 is important in the production of both DNA, red blood cells, and the circulation of oxygen to all the vital organs. And even more importantly, it is also an essential factor for the proper function of a person’s nervous system.

While the body requires vitamin B12, it doesn’t actually make it, which is why it’s important for people to find ways to take it in order to feed the body’s need for this very essential nutrient. It is normally found in animals products like meat, poultry, fish, eggs and other dairy products. But since there are a number of people that do not eat any of those types of food, there are many foods that are either fortified with B12, like bread and plant-based milk, or instead, patients can take a supplement in pill, tablet or powder form as well.

People don’t realize just how important B12 actually is as an essential vitamin to make sure that the body is working properly. And unfortunately, years of B12 insufficiency can have very long-term negative effects too. While signs and symptoms for this can take years to truly show, it makes it that much more hard to diagnose too. 

While the elderly, those on special vegan diets, and those taking certain diabetic or heartburn medications are more at risk, the fact of the matter is anyone can be suffering from a lack of this essential mineral. The key is knowing how to detect it.



Here are common symptoms and signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency that you should look out for.

1. Breathlessness and Dizziness

One of the most common symptoms of a B12 deficiency is feeling breathless or dizzy. Although most people associate dizziness with other issues like vertigo or anemia, it can also be due to a lack of this vitamin. This is because the lack of enough B12 in your system also means that you can’t absorb oxygen properly in your system, which can also cause low blood pressure. The next time that you notice that you get a head rush more often, or you find yourself trying to catch your breath more than you should, it could be because you lack this essential vitamin in your system. Best to make an appointment with your doctor and see if getting a blood test is something you should do.