Many people who only have a mild vitamin B12 deficiency do not even have any symptoms. As the deficiency progresses, their symptoms then become apparent. The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency vary from person to person, as do their intensity. I was just recently diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency so I will share my symptoms, experience and how I deal with my symptoms with you. This article will also talk about the other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency that I have yet to experience.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Weakness and Fatigue
For me, these symptoms go hand in hand. When I am fatigued I am weaker and the opposite is also true. Since I also suffer from several other vitamin deficiencies as well as multiple sclerosis, the weakness and fatigue are often quite extreme. I do take high dose injections of vitamin B12 once per week, but in addition to that I try to stay as active as possible. I also try to avoid caffeine three hours before bedtime so that I can try to get the best sleep possible. If I do not get enough sleep or if I get bad sleep, the weakness and fatigue are far more significant. I also take a quality multivitamin and try to keep my other vitamin deficiencies in check and this seems to be quite helpful.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Dizziness
Dizziness is another symptom that is also caused by my other medical conditions so it can get quite extreme. The best thing I do to combat dizziness is try to stay completely hydrated. I notice that if I begin to get even a bit dehydrated the dizziness gets quite bad. Motion sickness medications also work most of the time to help calm my dizzy spells.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
The severe loss of appetite is what prompted me to get my vitamin B12 levels checked in the first place. This symptom seems to have decreased significantly once I began high dose vitamin B12 injections. I still battle loss of appetite, but not due to my vitamin B12 deficiency.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Shortness of Breath When Exerted
Before I was diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency I would seem to be short of breath when climbing stairs, performing my physical therapy or walking on the treadmill. Once I started treatment this symptom has been alleviated significantly.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Pale Skin
Since I am also iron deficient I assumed that that was the cause of my very pale skin. It did cause my paleness, but my vitamin B12 deficiency did make me more pale. Since I am being treated for both of these deficiencies, I have noticed that my skin does in fact have more color.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms I Did Not Experience
Other symptoms that other patients may experience are rapid heartbeat, chest pain, bleeding gums, red and sore tongue, constipation and diarrhea.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms That Can Occur Once Brain and Nerve Cell Damage are Present
Those who have an untreated vitamin B12 deficiency for a longer period of time may experience brain damage and nerve cell damage. Once this occurs other more serious symptoms will occur. These include tingling and numbness in the toes and fingers, confusion, poor coordination, poor balance, depression, forgetfulness, poor impulse control, trouble concentrating, difficulty thinking, impaired judgment, decrease in the ability to feel vibration, dementia and ringing in the ears.