Vitamin B12 deficiency: The ‘persistent’ sign to look out for – ‘nervous system’ signs

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Both vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency are more common in older people, affecting around one in 10 people aged 75 or over and one in 20 people aged 65 to 74, says the NHS. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The Mayo Clinic says: “Vitamin deficiency anaemia usually develops slowly over several months to years.

“Signs and symptoms may be subtle at first but usually increase as the deficiency worsens.”

You should seek the advice of a GP if you are experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia. The longer the condition goes untreated, the higher the chance of permanent damage.

According to the NHS, if your vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a lack of the vitamin in your diet, you may be prescribed vitamin B12 tablets to take every day between meals. Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12.

The Mayo Clinic says being deficient in vitamin B12 or folate increases your risk of many health problems, including nervous system disorders.

Indeed, untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to “neurological problems”, such as persistent tingling in the hands and feet or problems with balance.

The organisation says: “It can lead to mental confusion and forgetfulness because vitamin B12 is necessary for healthy brain function.”

If you are deficient in vitamin B12 there are several other signs which may crop, indicating you need more of the vitamin.

General symptoms of anaemia may include extreme tiredness, feeling faint, pale skin and tinnitus, according to the NHS. Loss of appetite and weight loss may also indicate the issue.

If you have anaemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may have other symptoms, such as irritability and depression, according to the NHS.

The health body adds that you may also notice “changes in the way you think, feel and behave”.

Some people also report a decline in their mental abilities, such as memory, understanding and judgement, says the health body.

“Some of these symptoms can also happen in people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency but have not developed anaemia,” it adds.

The deficiency, if left untreated, can cause severe and irreversible damage, especially to the brain and nervous system. It can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs. If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet, according to the NHS.

You can also look out for vegan and vegetarian foods that are fortified with vitamin B12, such as some plant milks and breakfast cereals.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is more common in people whose families come from northern Europe, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine site.

It adds that risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia include having part or all of your stomach or intestine removed, and autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes. Crohn’s disease, HIV, and some medicines can also cause the deficiency.

The Mayo Clinic says: “Most people get enough vitamins from the foods they eat. But if your diet is restricted or you’ve had gastric bypass surgery, you may wish to take a multivitamin.”

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