Vitamin B12 is super important for your nerves, blood, and energy, but its deficiency is often overlooked because the early signs can be subtle. Here’s what to watch for:
⚠️ Common Signs of B12 Deficiency
1. Fatigue or weakness
- Feeling unusually tired even after sleeping
- Muscles may feel weak
2. Tingling or numbness
- “Pins and needles” in hands, feet, or legs
- Balance problems or feeling unsteady
3. Cognitive issues
- Trouble concentrating or “brain fog”
- Memory lapses or slower thinking
4. Pale or yellowish skin
- Low B12 affects red blood cell production
- Can cause a pale or slightly jaundiced look
5. Mood changes
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
6. Glossy or sore tongue / mouth issues
- Red, swollen tongue
- Mouth ulcers
- Burning or tingling in the tongue
7. Vision problems (less common)
- Blurred or double vision
- Damage to optic nerves if deficiency is severe
🔎 Why it’s often ignored
- Early symptoms are subtle
- Fatigue or brain fog is often blamed on stress or lifestyle
- Vegans, vegetarians, and older adults are more at risk, but anyone can be affected
✅ What to do
- Blood test: only way to confirm B12 deficiency
- Sources of B12:
- Meat, fish, eggs, dairy
- Fortified plant foods (cereals, plant milk)
- Supplements if prescribed
- Don’t self-treat high-dose B12 without advice — your doctor will recommend the right form and dose
If you want, I can make a quick chart of early vs late B12 deficiency symptoms that makes it easy to spot before it becomes serious. It’s super useful to keep an eye on.
Do you want me to make that chart?
