➡️10. Dizziness and Vertigo
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially when you stand up too quickly or walk up a flight of stairs, can be another subtle sign. While dizziness can be attributed to many things, it shouldn’t be dismissed. In the context of a B12 deficiency, these dizzy spells are often linked to the anemia it causes. Your brain isn’t getting the steady supply of oxygen it needs to maintain your sense of balance, leading to these fleeting but unsettling moments of instability. It’s a symptom that is frequently overlooked, particularly in the elderly, where it might be blamed on other age-related issues.
➡️9. Increased Anxiety or Depression
Your mental health is deeply connected to your physical health. Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in synthesizing brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate your mood. When B12 levels are low, it can disrupt this delicate chemical balance, potentially leading to or worsening feelings of anxiety, irritability, and even depression. If you’re experiencing mood changes that seem to have no clear external cause or that don’t resolve, it’s a good idea to investigate potential physiological factors, including a vitamin deficiency.
