As vegetarian and vegan diets have grown in popularity researchers have been careful to underscore the importance of vitamin B12 deficiencies.
The risks are dangerous to ignore given that vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining brain function and nerve health throughout the body.
The dual-board certified physician Dr Edmond Hakimi, explained that while the early symptoms of the condition can go unnoticed, they may be hard to ignore once the body struggles to produce healthy red blood cells.
“When a B12 deficiency goes undiagnosed for years, the symptoms can become much more severe. Long-term deficiency can lead to chronic memory loss, confusion and cognitive decline, sometimes misdiagnosed as dementia,” Dr Hakimi told GB News.
Undiagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency can cause long-term numbness
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“Persistent nerve damage may cause long-lasting numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the extremities.
“Balance and coordination issues may worsen, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
“Some individuals with prolonged deficiency may also experience blurred vision or permanent vision loss due to optic nerve damage.”
How to obtain vitamin B12?
Because the body doesn’t produce vitamin B12 naturally, the nutrient must be sourced from food and supplementation according to Dr Hakimi.
Good dietary sources include:
- Meat
- Fish
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Fortified breakfast cereals
Those following a plant-based diet, or anyone with digestive disorders preventing the absorption of B12, face higher risks, warranting further measures.
When a deficiency is diagnosed it can be treated with the right supplementation, but a doctor should be consulted first.
Because of the profound impact chronic symptoms can have on daily life, experts highlight the importance of early detection and treatment.
Even though the condition can be effectively treated with the right interventions, timely action is crucial.
If B12 levels remain low for extended periods, nerve damage may become irreversible, even with proper treatment.
Early intervention remains key to preventing permanent complications.
The NHS notes that different types of blood tests can be carried out to help identify people with possible vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
“These tests check whether you have a lower level of haemoglobin than normal or whether your red blood cells are larger than normal,” explains the health body.
