Symptoms of Low Vitamin B12 can show in many forms. In this article we’re detailing about the most common symptoms, and what you can do to increase your vitamin B12 levels.
Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
This can be one of the first symptoms, and it can be difficult to distinguish from simply feeling tired due to a busy lifestyle.
Lack of energy (lethargy)
Feeling tired all the time is one of the most common symptoms of low B12. This fatigue can be so severe that it significantly impacts your quality of life.
Other common symptoms of low B12 include:
- Brain fog: This symptom can make it hard to concentrate and remember things.
- Weakness: You may feel weak and have trouble standing up or walking.
- Pale skin: Low B12 can cause your skin to look pale or yellowish.
Breathlessness
Breathlessness can be caused by anxiety or other psychological conditions, but it is most often due to a physical problem. Conditions that can cause breathlessness include:
Asthma
This chronic lung condition causes narrowing and inflammation of the airways. This makes it difficult to breathe and results in shortness of breath.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
This group of lung diseases includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD damages the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. Shortness of breath is a common symptom in people with COPD.
Heart failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart failure, especially when lying down flat or exercising.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes them to fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe. Shortness of breath is a common symptom in people with pneumonia. Other symptoms may include coughing up greenish-yellow mucus, fever, chills, and chest pain. Pneumonia can be serious, so if you have any symptoms, see your doctor right away.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks one or more arteries in the lungs. This prevents blood from flowing properly and can cause shortness of breath. Other symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, coughing up blood, sweating, and fainting. If you have any symptoms of pulmonary embolism, see your doctor immediately.
Headaches
headaches
Having frequent headaches are one of the most common symptoms of low B12 levels. They can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, stress, and lack of sleep. However, if you regularly experience headaches that are severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign that your B12 levels are too low.
Other potential symptoms of low B12 levels include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. If you think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor for a blood test to confirm whether or not your B12 levels are indeed low.
Pale skin
If you have noticed your skin looking paler than usual, it could be a sign that you are not getting enough vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Without enough vitamin B12, your red blood cells can not function properly and your skin may look pale.
If you are concerned that you may be deficient in vitamin B12, speak to your doctor about getting a blood test to check your levels.