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Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when you don't get or absorb enough vitamin B12 in your body. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is needed to make healthy red blood cells and to keep your nerves working normally. It can be a slow-developing problem for those who don't eat a diet rich in B12, have certain digestive diseases, or have ailments that interfere with B12 absorption. Long-term use of various drugs might potentially cause deficiency.

Typical symptoms include constant fatigue, weakness, pallid skin, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and a loss of appetite. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, issues with balance, memory problems, and mood disturbances because vitamin B12 helps support the nervous system. Some neurological issues, if not treated, can become long-term.

Diagnosis is mainly made by blood tests to evaluate vitamin B12 levels and to look for abnormalities in red blood cells. Additional testing could be beneficial in determining the cause. Treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of the deficit. This treatment may include vitamin B12 tablets, supplements, or injections when absorption is poor.

Eating a well-rounded diet with B12-rich foods, including dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and fortified foods, will help maintain optimal levels. Early diagnosis and treatment can enable normal blood formation and potentially prevent major neurological consequences.