➡️12. Forgetfulness and Brain Fog
We all misplace our keys from time to time. But if you’re experiencing a level of forgetfulness that feels abnormal for you, or if you’re struggling with a persistent “brain fog” that makes it hard to concentrate, a B12 deficiency could be to blame. The brain is an oxygen-hungry organ, and the same lack of oxygen-rich red blood cells that causes fatigue can also impair cognitive function. This can manifest as difficulty finding the right words, short-term memory problems, and a general feeling of mental cloudiness. In older adults, these symptoms are sometimes tragically mistaken for early signs of dementia, when in reality, they could be reversible with B12 supplementation.
➡️11. Pale or Jaundiced Skin
If people are commenting that you look unusually pale, despite getting some sun, take a closer look. A lack of B12 can give your skin an ashen or pale appearance. This is due to the shortage of healthy red blood cells, which give your skin its rosy, healthy glow. In some cases, the skin can also take on a yellowish hue. This is called jaundice, and it happens when the fragile, misshapen red blood cells produced during a B12 deficiency break down too easily. This breakdown releases a yellow pigment called bilirubin, which can build up and cause your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow.
