Vitamin B12, medically known as cobalamin, is an important vitamin that is responsible for the development of red blood cells and proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, just to name a couple of its duties. Our bodies don’t naturally produce B12, so we must obtain it through diet. B12 deficiency is a common problem because many people have diets low in animal products (the main dietary source of B12), or problems with vitamin absorption. Some surprising symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

1. Paranoia or neuroticism
2. Depression, problems with mood calibration or behavioral changes
3. A sore mouth or tongue (or swollen tongue)
4. Lethargy or fatigue
5. Anemia
6. Foggy brain (trouble concentrating or reasoning)
7. Heart palpitations or arrhythmia
8. Nerve problems like loss of sensation and impaired mobility
9. Stomach problems like gas, constipation, bloating or diarrhea
10. Numbness of the extremities (sometimes can be confused with carpel tunnel)
11. Vision problems like blurry vision
12. Weakness, faintness or dizziness
13. Jaundice (yellowing skin)
14. Menstrual complications
15. Shortness of breath

Time To See The Doc?

While it is important to treat supplements with caution and only start them after talking to your doctor, people who are deficient will require vitamin B12 supplementation. Vitamin B12 deficiencies can be serious business and may creep up on you over time, so if you are experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms, see your doctor soon for B12 screening. Keep an eye out for our article about vitamin B12 rich foods, thanks for visiting DocChat!