5 Signs You're Lacking Vitamin B12

The human body is a complex structure, with inner workings we’re still learning about. Vitamins play a significant role in that structure, supporting many processes that keep us healthy. A prime example is vitamin B12, a nutrient many Americans don’t get in sufficient quantities. 

Luis Wilmot Jr., MPAS, PA-C, understands the role of optimal nutrition and strives to educate those in his care on how to meet their nutritional needs. At Bio-X Weight Loss Center in Austin and Round Rock, Texas, he offers several methods to improve vitamin B12 levels. 

Here are some signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency and how to improve your levels. 

1. Fatigue

One of the most pronounced signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency is ongoing fatigue. If you feel tired during the day even after a good night’s rest, it could be due to a lack of vitamin B12. 

This vital nutrient helps support the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to your cells. Without that oxygen, your cells, tissues, organs, and systems can struggle, leaving you exhausted. 

2. Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet

If you experience a lack of feeling in your hands and feet, or a tingling, pins-and-needles sensation, you may want to have a medical professional assess your vitamin B12 levels. 

A lack of this nutrient can cause abnormal sensations in your extremities. Certain health conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, can make it difficult for the body to absorb vitamin B12, so if you also have digestive health issues, tell your provider. 

3. You’re always cold

Here again, a diminished capacity for manufacturing red blood cells can prevent normal circulation, and a lack of blood flow can make you feel colder than you should. 

If you’re always reaching for a blanket or turning up the thermostat, you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency contributing to anemia. 

4. Your tongue is smooth and sore

When your body doesn’t have sufficient levels of B12 and other nutrients, the tiny bumps on your tongue, called papillae, can wear away. That’s called atrophic glossitis, and you can easily detect it in a mirror. You may also notice tongue soreness.

5. Vision problems

Many things can affect vision, including a vitamin B12 deficiency. If you struggle to read small text or if your vision seems a bit blurred, it could be the result of poor nutrition. Fortunately, supplementing your vitamin B12 can quickly resolve minor vision changes. 

How to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin B12

It’s possible to get all the B12 you require through your diet. But if you don’t have the time or resources to plan and prepare healthful, balanced meals every day, there are other ways to give your body what it needs to thrive. 

At Bio-X Weight Loss Center, you have access to professional guidance and support, including micronutrient blood testing. If your levels are low, we can recommend top-quality supplements. 

You can also try B12 injections or IV vitamin therapy, an approach that delivers a boost of nutrients directly into your bloodstream. 

Get on the path toward optimal nutrition today by calling the office nearest you or scheduling your visit online.