Vitamin B12 deficiency can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms often overlap with many other conditions. Your doctor can confirm a deficiency through several tests, including a complete blood count, a peripheral blood smear, and by measuring serum folate and homocysteine levels.
They may also check for pernicious anemia with a lactate dehydrogenase test and methylmalonic acid (MMA) level. These tests can indicate severe vitamin B12 deficiency.
1. Anemia
Anemia occurs when your blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia specifically results from not consuming enough foods that contain vitamin B12 and folate—both essential for producing healthy red blood cells.
Potential Causes:
- Not eating enough B12-rich foods
- Conditions like atrophic gastritis that reduce intrinsic factor and hydrochloric acid in the stomach, affecting B12 absorption
What Your Doctor May Do:
- Ask about symptoms like persistent tiredness or shortness of breath when performing everyday activities (e.g., climbing stairs)
- Perform a complete blood count and check hemoglobin levels
- Prescribe supplements like iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid or recommend a blood transfusion if necessary
Key Point: A lack of vitamin B12 slows down DNA synthesis and can lead to megaloblastic anemia. Without enough B12, your blood cells do not function properly, causing fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues.
2. Headaches
If your body lacks sufficient vitamin B12, it struggles to make healthy red blood cells and deliver adequate oxygen. Reduced oxygenation can lead to headaches.
Associated Symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Difficulty walking steadily
- Weight loss
- Stomach discomfort
What Can Help:
- Blood tests to confirm low B12 levels
- Vitamin B12 injections or folic acid tablets to restore normal levels
- Consuming B12-rich foods like meat, fish, dairy, and fortified cereals
3. Diarrhea
Severe vitamin B12 deficiency can sometimes cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea. When the body does not absorb B12 properly, various systems can be affected.
Potential Underlying Factors:
- Conditions affecting the digestive system like celiac or Crohn’s disease
- Surgical procedures (e.g., gastric bypass) that interfere with B12 absorption
- Genetic disorders that prevent proper uptake of B12 in the intestine
If diarrhea is severe, your doctor may prescribe IV fluids or specific treatments to address dehydration and nutrient loss.
4. Loss of Appetite
Vitamin B12 deficiency can reduce your desire to eat, sometimes because of the related anemia or gastrointestinal issues.
Diagnostic Steps:
- Measuring vitamin B12 levels in the blood
- Checking for folate levels to rule out folate deficiency
- Considering whether pernicious anemia is interfering with B12 absorption
Risk Factors:
- Strict vegan or vegetarian diets without supplementation
- Use of certain medications or nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Medical conditions affecting the absorption of nutrients
5. Fatigue
One of the most common and early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is unexplained fatigue. Without adequate B12, red blood cells cannot effectively carry oxygen, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish.
Additional Signs as Deficiency Progresses:
- Shortness of breath
- Inflamed or sore tongue (glossitis)
- Muscle weakness, confusion, irritability, and memory issues in advanced cases
Preventive Measures:
- Regularly consume B12-rich foods (meat, dairy, fish, eggs)
- Consider B12 supplements or injections if you have a known absorption issue
- Seek medical advice if you experience persistent fatigue and other related symptoms
Takeaway: Vitamin B12 deficiency is often manageable and even preventable with proper dietary choices, supplementation, and timely medical interventions. If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for testing, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Schedule a consultation or learn more about getting a Vitamin B12 injection at House of Aesthetics Med Spa in Huntington Beach today!
