A vitamin B12 deficiency gravely impacts the body's ability to supply fully functioning red blood cells. 

As a consequence, megaloblastic anemia develops and, left untreated over time, complications can occur.

Speaking exclusively to the Chudonnews, Dr Dan Bunstone shares his expertise on the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Additionally, the GP reveals how a diagnosis is formed, and what you'll do if you are not near your local doctor's surgery. 

"Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a good range of symptoms which tend to develop gradually," said Dr Bunstone. The NHS doctor proceeded to mention that "a pale-yellow tinge" of the skin is common; this is often referred to as jaundice.

Another common symptom to remember of may be a "sore and red tongue" referred to as glossitis.

Dr Bunstone continued to mention that "mouth ulcers, pins and needles, visual disturbances, irritability and depression" could all be signs that your red blood cells aren't healthy.

"B12 deficiency is diagnosed supported your symptoms and therefore the results of a biopsy," he explained.

"Those worried they'll be affected by this could contact their GP," advised Dr Bunstone.

He warned the deficiency must be "diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible".

Otherwise, Dr Bunstone said "the condition can cause irreversible problems" - with the NHS remarking the subsequent complications:

  • Heart issues
  • Heart failure
  • Vision problems
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty speaking or walking
  • Damage to the systema nervosum 
  • Infertility
  • Stomach cancer
  • Neural tube defects in pregnancy

Dr Banstone recognised that coronavirus restrictions may have left some people living outside of their usual place of residence for extended periods of your time .


"Anyone who is worried they'll be deficient in B12 and is unable to go to their doctor during a timely manner for these reasons can book a same-day virtual GP appointment using the Push Doctor app,” he said.

What causes a vitamin B12 deficiency?

The most common culprit for a vitamin B12 deficiency within the UK is due to pernicious anemia, said the national health body.

The autoimmune condition causes the body's system to attack healthy cells within the stomach.

In healthy individuals, the protein within the stomach produces factor that binds to vitamin B12.

By combing factor with vitamin B12, it's ready to be reabsorbed back to the body.

When an individual has pernicious anemia, this simply doesn't happen; instead, factor isn't produced and vitamin B12 is lost through excrement.

The exact explanation for pernicious anemia remains unknown, but it's more often diagnosed in women around 60 years aged .

It's also more prevalent in those with other autoimmune conditions, like vitiligo.

Others may develop a vitamin B12 deficiency if they follow a vegan diet or have a really poor diet.

"Stores of vitamin B12 within the body can last around two to four years without being replenished," explained the NHS.

"So it can take an extended time for any problems to develop after a dietary change."

A surgery that involved a part of the stomach being removed can also have cause a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Furthermore, taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can also worsen a pre-existing vitamin B12.