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Mild severity
· General Physician
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Low B12 · Fatigue and tingling
Too little vitamin B12 affects blood and nerves, causing fatigue, tingling and memory issues. Common in vegetarians and the elderly.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Common in vegetarians
- Typical age
- Adults, esp. veg diets
- Outlook
- Treatable; can become serious if ignored
- System
- Hormones
Reviewed by a verified General Physician doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Vegetarian or vegan diet
- Poor absorption (pernicious anemia)
- Long-term acid blockers or metformin
- Gut surgery or disease
- Older age
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Fatigue and weakness
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Pale skin and breathlessness
- Memory or mood changes
- Sore tongue
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- B12 injections or oral supplements
- Treat the cause of malabsorption
- Dietary B12 (dairy, eggs, fortified foods)
- Monitor blood counts
- Long-term supplements if needed
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Include B12 sources or fortified foods
- Supplement on a vegetarian diet
- Review long-term medications
- Test if symptoms appear
Do’s
- Eat dairy, eggs or fortified cereals
- Take supplements as advised
- Get tested if persistently tired
- Tell your doctor about acid-blocker use
Don’ts
- Ignore numbness or tingling
- Assume diet alone always fixes it
- Stop treatment once you feel better without advice
- Delay testing for months
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all general physician doctors Top 4 doctors for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.