A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Tingling, numbness, or balance problems in the hands and feet are also signs of a deficiency.
Like protein and calcium, vitamin B12 is essential for the body. It is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin. Its function is to form red blood cells. This vitamin is also essential for nerve and brain health. Furthermore, vitamin B12 helps produce neurotransmitters, which play a vital role in mental health and mood balance. A
vitamin B12 deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Tingling, numbness, or balance problems in the hands and feet are also signs of a deficiency. Furthermore, it can also lead to depression, confusion, and memory loss. According to
Kapil Tyagi, director of Kapil Tyagi Ayurveda Clinic , when vitamin B12 is deficient in the body, signs and symptoms can appear on the skin and mouth. Let’s learn about these symptoms and what you should do to overcome vitamin B12 deficiency.
Pale or pale skin or dark spots
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes red blood cells to form and break down properly. This increases bilirubin in the body, causing the skin to appear yellow or slightly yellow, similar to jaundice. Some people may also experience dark spots on their skin around the hands, feet, and finger joints. This is because B12 deficiency causes uneven production of melanin.
Problems like white patches and vitiligo
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause skin discoloration and white patches to appear in some areas, similar to vitiligo. This can cause uneven skin color.
Lip and mouth problems
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause painful sores or cracks on the lips and inside the mouth. These often appear on the edges of the lips and the inner lining of the mouth and can make eating and drinking difficult.
Itching, dryness, and slow healing
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause skin problems like itching, dryness, and inflammation. This is because anemia and a weakened immune system reduce oxygen supply to the skin. Additionally, cuts and wounds may not heal as quickly because the process of new cell formation slows down.
Use supplements
If you don’t get enough B12 from your diet or your body doesn’t absorb it properly, such as in stomach or intestinal conditions, taking B12 supplements or injections as directed by your doctor may be beneficial. Additionally, proper functioning of the stomach and small intestine is essential for B12 absorption. Deficiency can occur more quickly in conditions such as gastric ulcers, Crohn’s disease, or gastric bypass surgery.
Eat foods with vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal sources, so it’s crucial to include it in your diet. Meats like chicken, beef, and liver; fish and seafood like salmon, tuna, and shellfish; eggs; and dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese provide good amounts of B12. Fortified cereals and fortified plant-based milks like soy, almond, or oat milk are good options for vegetarians.