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Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency Symptoms

Early symptoms of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency include:

• Depression
• Dizziness and loss of balance
• Insomnia
• Memory loss
• Mood swings
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

The symptoms above can develop slowly and even when blood tests show that vitamin B12 (cobalamin) levels are “normal”. Older people with these symptoms may be mistakenly thought to have dementia or senility, when it is a vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency that is causing their symptoms.

More serious vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency symptoms include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Dementia
• Pernicious anaemia
• Senility

People with any of these symptoms should seek advice from their medical practitioner to determine if vitamin B12 supplementation is warranted in their individual situation.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency can cause pernicious anaemia

Symptoms of pernicious anaemia

Pernicious anaemia can develop when there are low vitamin B12 (cobalamin) levels, with symptoms including:

• Balance problems
• Bruising easily
• Confusion
• Depression
• Disorientation
• Extreme fatigue
• Irreversible nerve damage
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Pale lips, tongue and gums
• Poor memory
• Shortness of breath
• Sore tongue
• Tingling in hands and feet
• Weakness in arms and legs
• Weight loss

Older people with these symptoms may be mistakenly thought to have dementia or senility, when it is a vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency that is causing their symptoms. People experiencing any of these symptoms should seek advice from their medical practitioner to determine how much vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is required and how it should be administered (orally, intravenously or a combination).

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