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Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms, Signs, & Causes

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Jennie Stanford

Updated at: September 05, 2024

Table of Contents

  1. What Does Vitamin B12 Do for the Body?

  2. Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    1. Most Common Symptoms

    2. Psychological & Neurological Symptoms

    3. Other Related Conditions

  3. Who is at Risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency happens when your body doesn’t get enough vitamin B12 to function optimally. How do you know if you have vitamin B12 deficiency? You will need to get a test to determine if you are deficient. But many patients discover their deficiency when they first notice the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

What Does Vitamin B12 Do for the Body?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin also called “cobalamin.” You are not able to manufacture your own vitamin B12 within your body. Instead, you need to absorb it from foods and supplements.

Some of vitamin B12’s roles in the body include creating blood cells and platelets, and helping your body to maintain healthy bones, eyesight, memory, mood, energy levels, and skin, hair and nails.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Exact symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can vary based on a number of factors. There are patients who are deficient in this vitamin, yet show no symptoms. Others may or may not develop anemia among their symptoms.


Most Common Symptoms

Mild vitamin B12 deficiency may present with any of the following symptoms:

  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • A sore mouth
  • A sore tongue
  • Weight loss
  • Yellowish tint to the skin

Psychological & Neurological Symptoms

A woman sick in bed

Jul 23, 2024

It is important to be aware that vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a number of psychological and neurological symptoms. Some of these may include:

  • Problems with vision
  • Tingling sensations
  • Numbness
  • Memory problems
  • Speaking problems
  • Difficulties walking
  • Changes in feelings
  • Changes in behavior
  • Depression
  • Irritability

Neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, difficulties speaking or walking, vision problems or memory issues are serious, because they sometimes cannot be reversed.

If you have difficulties walking, try wearing a pair of therapeutic shoes such as the The Cadense Original Adaptive Shoes for men and women. These shoes make it easier to walk, thanks to their patented variable friction technology.

Other Related Conditions

There are some telltale signs of vitamin B12 deficiency that may not be listed as symptoms. For example, many women with vitamin B12 deficiency have low fertility rates.

Vitamin B12 deficiency may also be associated with any of these conditions:

  • Gastritis
  • Digestive diseases
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Transcobalamin II deficiency
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Surgery 


If you have an underlying condition, it is vital to treat that condition along with the vitamin B12 deficiency. 

Who is at Risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Here are some factors that can put you at an elevated risk for vitamin B12 deficiency:

  • Being age 75 or above.
  • Eating a vegetarian or vegan diet (most dietary sources of vitamin B12 are animal products).
  • Having Chron’s disease or celiac disease.
  • Having Sjögren's syndrome.
  • Drinking excessive alcohol.
  • Using medications such as metformin, histamine H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors. 

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FAQ

What happens if your body is low in vitamin B12?

If you are getting insufficient vitamin B12, your body will be less efficient at maintaining your mood and energy levels. You may experience digestive symptoms or neurological problems. You could develop anemia. 

What is the fastest way to fix B12 deficiency?

If possible, change your diet to get more vitamin B12 through your foods. You can also take vitamin B12 supplements. You may need to switch to a different medication or treat an underlying health condition if either are causing your deficiency.

What are the 4 stages of B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can progress through four stages:

  • Stage 1: Serum levels are low, but no symptoms are present.
  • Stage 2: Vitamin B12 levels in your cells are low.
  • Stage 3: Symptoms are now present, as you have entered a stage called “biochemical deficiency.” DNA synthesis reduces, while homocysteine and methylmalonic acid are elevated.
  • Stage 4: Known as “clinically evident deficiency,” this stage leads to the development of a type of anemia that involves blood cells being oversized.

What foods should be avoided if you have B12 deficiency?

If you are deficient in vitamin B12, stay away from excess alcohol. You should be fine to enjoy most other foods and beverages. Just watch out if you eat a lot of foods high in vitamin B9 (folate), since this can make it harder to detect a B12 deficiency.

What organ is affected by B12 deficiency?

Your brain and nervous system can be affected by a vitamin B12 deficiency. So can other systems and components in your body, including your blood, skin, and bones.

Can low B12 cause weight gain?

There is insufficient evidence to suggest that vitamin B12 deficiency causes weight gain.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Reviewed by: Dr. Jennie Stanford

Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. She is passionately involved in medical education, dedicating her time to mentoring and advancing the field. Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. She is passionately involved in medical education, dedicating her time to mentoring and advancing the field.

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Medical Disclaimer: This website is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. This website’s information, content, and material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Cadense Inc. may not be held liable for any damages whether incidental, ordinary or consequential. Cadense does not make any guarantee of any particular end result. Cadense makes no claims or guarantees of payment/reimbursement by any insurance companies. Cadense adaptive shoes are intended to provide greater mobility to those with walking difficulties.