Doctor lists symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
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Vitamin B12 is found in animal products, such as eggs, meat and dairy. However, even if you do eat such foods, you might have a malabsorption issue. How can you tell? Red blood cells that grow too large become deformed and can’t function correctly. Responsible for transporting blood and oxygen around the body, red blood cells can’t do this when they’re the wrong shape.
The presence of deformed red blood cells within the body causes clinical features of megaloblastic anaemia to feature ever so slightly.
As more and more red blood cells become deformed, the condition becomes more apparent.
NICE pointed out that a vitamin B12 deficiency (that leads to irregular shaped red blood cells) can lead to “dyspnoea”.
Dyspnoea is a medical term for shortness of breath, the NHS clarified.
Other warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia can include:
- Cognitive changes
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Palpitations
- Tachypnoea
- Visual disturbance
- Weakness, lethargy.
What is tachypnoea?
The NHS explained tachypnoea is another term for “acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)”.
This “life-threatening condition” occurs when the lungs can’t provide the body’s vital organs with enough oxygen.
Symptoms of ARDS may include:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Tiredness, drowsiness or confusion
- Feeling faint.
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People diagnosed with ARDS will most likely be admitted to a hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).
NICE added that older people might experience angina if they’re suffering from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
It’s also possible for a person to experience angular cheilitis – red, swollen patches in the corners of the mouth.
Some people might develop “brown pigmentation” on their nails beds and creases in their skin.
Another possible indication of a vitamin B12 deficiency is “episodic diarrhoea”.
Other possible symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can include:
- Anorexia
- Congestive heart failure
- Glossitis — red smooth and shiny tongue, perhaps with ulcers
- Heart murmurs
- Liver enlargement
- Mild jaundice — a lemon-yellow tint
- Mild pyrexia (i.e. fever)
- Oropharyngeal ulceration
- Pallor of mucous membranes or nail beds
- Tachycardia (irregular heartbeat)
- Weight loss.
It’s clear that lacking vitamin B12 in the body can lead to detrimental effects on your health.
A persistent lack of healthy red blood cells can then lead to neurological complications.
Examples of neurological complications include:
- Loss of cutaneous sensation
- Loss of mental and physical drive
- Muscle weakness
- Optic neuropathy
- Psychiatric disturbances – these range from mild neurosis to severe dementia
- Symmetrical neuropathy affecting the legs more than the arms — this usually presents with ataxia or paraesthesia
- Urinary or faecal incontinence.
The best way to determine if you’re lacking healthy red blood cells is to go for a quick blood test at your nearest medical centre.
Your GP will get in contact with you if there is evidence of a vitamin B12 deficiency from your blood sample.
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