Dr Dawn Harper on signs of vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency

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Vitamin B12’s contribution to the body is invaluable. Among other things, it helps make red blood cells and keeps your nervous system operating efficiently. Having consistently low B12 levels therefore deals a hammer blow to your body.

According to Lloyds Pharmacy, “ulcers inside your mouth” is a telltale sign of low B12 levels.

Another mouth-related warning sign is “a red tongue that is sore,” warns the health body.

The following may also indicate low B12:

• Feeling extremely tired
• Lacking energy
• Experiencing pins and needles
• Muscle weakness.

When to see a GP

According to the NHS, you should see a GP if you’re experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

“These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test,” explains the health body.

It’s doubly important for vitamin B12 deficiency to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

As the NHS notes, although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated.

“The longer the condition goes untreated, the higher the chance of permanent damage.”

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What causes B12 deficiency?

The two main drives of vitamin B12 deficiency are pernicious anaemia and diet.

Pernicious anaemia – the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK – is an autoimmune condition whereby your immune system attacks the cells in your stomach that produce the intrinsic factor – a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12.

Some people can also develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet.

People adhering strictly to a vegan or vegetarian diet are more prone to B12 deficiency than meat eaters.

That’s because “vitamin B12 is naturally present in foods of animal origin, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products”, explains the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“In addition, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified nutritional yeasts are readily available sources of vitamin B12 that have high bioavailability.”

According to the NIH, vitamin B12 is available in multivitamin/mineral supplements, in supplements containing other B-complex vitamins, and in supplements containing only vitamin B12.

How is it treated?

The treatment for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia depends on what’s causing the condition.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia (low healthy blood cell count) is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12.

There are two types of vitamin B12 injections:

• Hydroxocobalamin
• Cyanocobalamin.

“If your vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a lack of the vitamin in your diet, you may be prescribed vitamin B12 tablets to take every day between meals,” explains the NHS.

The health body adds: “People who find it difficult to get enough vitamin B12 in their diets, such as those following a vegan diet, may need vitamin B12 tablets for life.”

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