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Quick Reference: Common Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
| Category | Common Signs | Possible Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath | Low oxygen delivery |
| Nerves | Tingling, numbness, poor balance | Myelin sheath damage |
| Mood | Depression, irritability, anxiety | Low serotonin |
| Brain | Confusion, memory loss, fog | Reduced nerve function |
| Skin | Pale or yellowish tone | Fewer healthy red blood cells |
Two Real Stories That Prove It’s Easy to Miss
Case 1: Mary, 63
Mary had been feeling tired for months, blaming menopause. When her hands started tingling, she thought it was arthritis. A simple blood test revealed dangerously low B12. After six weeks of supplementation, her energy and mood returned — she said, “It felt like someone turned the lights back on.”
Case 2: Jason, 48
A lifelong vegetarian, Jason prided himself on healthy eating. But brain fog and irritability began to take over. His doctor found his B12 levels were half the normal range. Once he added fortified foods and a supplement, his focus — and patience — returned within a month.
These stories show how easy it is to miss the signs until things get worse.
Why Deficiency Happens — Even If You Eat Well
Here’s what many don’t know: even with a balanced diet, your body might not absorb B12 properly.
That’s especially true if you:
-
- Are over 50 (your stomach produces less acid)
- Take antacids, metformin, or proton pump inhibitors
- Follow a vegan or vegetarian diet
- Have had gastrointestinal surgery or chronic gastritis
In these cases, your body needs more help absorbing what you consume.
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