It can be hard to keep up with all the types of vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. A common vitamin you hear a lot about is Vitamin B12. It’s important because it helps produce red blood cells and DNA. It also keeps the nervous system healthy. However, it is possible to have a Vitamin B12 deficiency and not even know it. Here are 12 early warning signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency that shouldn’t be ignored. (1)
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include: (1, 2, 3, 4)
- White spots on the skin
- Itchy, tingly tongue
- Heart palpitations
- Exhaustion
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced sense of taste
- Irritability and depression
- Mouth sores
- Eye twitch
- Pins and needles (paresthesia)
- Dementia like symptoms such as confusion, poor concentration, and forgetfulness
Although you can experience these symptoms and not be deficient in Vitamin B12, you should still speak to your doctor. (1)
Vitamin B12 Deficiency White Spots
One of the earliest warning signs according to the charity, Patient Thyroid Advocacy, is the appearance of white spots on the skin. Most commonly they appear on the arm, but they can appear anywhere. It could be a result of reduced melatonin, which produces the color in skin. Once they appear, they often become dry and flaky. However, they are often overlooked because they appear on the forearm gradually. (1)
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Neuropathy
Pins and needles is the unpleasant sensation you get when your feet fall asleep. In the case of a deficiency, it can also lead to numbness. The deficiency can cause changes in nerve connections leading to a condition called Vitamin B12 neuropathy. In some people, it can be downright painful. (4)
The sensation can occur in the hands, feet, or in some cases the legs. The legs might also experience vibrations and a decreased sensitivity to touch. Some people also experience stabbing pain in the palms of the hands. (4)
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Mouth Symptoms
Symptoms in and around the mouth can include an itchy tongue and sores around the lips. Apparently, the itch can be very frustrating causing a constant need to scratch the area along the edge or tip of the tongue. Mouth sores tend to appear at the corners of the mouth and are quite raw and uncomfortable. (3)
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Reduced Sense Of Taste
Because Vitamin B12 plays a key role in red blood cell production, a deficiency can lead to anemia. When you are anemic, you can experience a reduced sense of taste. In fact, many of the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency are related to anemia, a condition caused by low red blood cells or hemoglobin. If a B12 deficiency goes on over a longer period of time, anemia can develop. When anemic, you are more likely to develop more symptoms including muscle weakness, depression, paresthesia, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, disturbed vision, and irritability. (2)
While many of the symptoms described here could be completely unrelated to a Vitamin B12 deficiency, you can avoid the risk by including more salmon, eggs, dairy, beef, or liver in your diet. (1)
