Numbness
Are your hands, feet, or legs tingling? A B12 deficiency can damage the protective sheath that covers your nerves. Diseases like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or other intestinal problems can make it harder for your body to absorb this vitamin. Some heartburn medications can also cause problems.
You’re colder than usual
Without enough B12, you may not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body (anemia). This can cause you to feel cold and clammy, especially in your hands and feet.
Brain fog
A B12 deficiency can lead to depression, confusion, memory problems, and dementia. It can also affect your balance. B12 supplements are generally safe, and doctors recommend 2.4 micrograms per day for adults. If you take more than your body needs, it will be excreted in your urine. However, high doses may cause some side effects, such as dizziness, headache, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
Weakness
Your muscles may lack strength. You may also feel tired or dizzy. Your doctor can check your B12 levels, but not all of your B12 stores are available for use. So it’s important to pay attention to any symptoms that may appear gradually or quickly in your body and see a doctor if necessary.
Smooth tongue
Your doctor may call this atrophic glossitis. The small bumps on your tongue, called papillae, begin to atrophy, making your tongue appear smooth and shiny. Infections, medications, and other factors can also cause this problem. But if a deficiency in B12 or other nutrients is the cause, you’ll feel pain in your tongue.
Warning for vegetarians
B12 deficiency is rare because your body can store this vitamin for several years. But plants do not contain B12. So vegetarians who do not eat any animal products in their diet should add some processed grains, such as breads, crackers, and fortified cereals, to their diet.
Palpitations
This is when your heart suddenly beats faster or skips a beat. You may feel this in your throat or neck.
Chicken, eggs, and fish are rich in vitamin B12. But one of the best sources is beef liver, which may not be in your diet.
Reasons for low vitamin B12 in the body:
Age
As you age, your body may not absorb B12 as easily. If a B12 deficiency is left untreated, low levels of this vitamin can lead to anemia, nerve damage, mood swings, and other serious problems. So pay attention to any symptoms and get a blood test if your doctor recommends it.
Weight Loss Surgery
One common weight loss surgery is called a gastric bypass. After the surgery, food is bypassed by parts of your stomach and small intestine. These parts are usually where B12 is broken down into usable forms. Your doctor will likely check your B12 levels and recommend B12 supplements or injections if needed.
Medications
Some medications can lower your B12 levels or make it harder for your body to absorb this vitamin. These medications include:
• Chloramphenicol (an antibiotic used to treat infections)
• Proton pump inhibitors such as lansoprazole and omeprazole
• Stomach ulcer medications such as cimetidine and famotidine
• Metformin for diabetes
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications and supplements you take.
Warning for pregnant vegetarians
Talk to your doctor about B12 supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Babies who don’t get enough B12 may have serious and permanent damage to nerves or brain cells. Your baby may also need supplements.