Feeling tired and sluggish is something that most people have experienced at some point.

Life can be busy, and it is easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of work and sleep. But what if your tiredness goes beyond feeling a little worn out? What if you are always tired and struggle to muster up the energy to get through your day? If this is the case, it could be a sign that you are suffering from a vitamin B12 deficiency.

What Is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is one of the B vitamins and is essential for the proper functioning of the body.

It helps to keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and aids in the production of DNA, the genetic material found in all cells. B12 is found naturally in animal foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products. Vegan and vegetarian options include fortified plant-based products such as breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast.

Why Is B12 Deficiency So Common?

Although B12 is essential to our overall health, it is not naturally produced by the body. Therefore, we must get it through our diet or supplements.

The prevalence of B12 deficiency is commonly seen in people following a vegan or vegetarian diet, as many of the best dietary sources of B12 are animal-based. Another common reason for B12 deficiency is the inability to absorb the vitamin from food, usually caused by intestinal problems.

Those who opt for weight loss surgeries, or have digestive conditions that include celiac or Crohn’s disease, are more likely to be deficient in B12.

How Does B12 Deficiency Cause Tiredness?

Low levels of B12 can lead to anemia, which is a medical condition that develops when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues.

This lack of oxygen causes the body to produce less energy. B12 deficiency can also affect the body’s nervous system. The symptoms include fatigue, weakness, numbness and tingling sensations, difficulty in walking, and memory loss.

Other Symptoms of B12 Deficiency

Besides tiredness, several other symptoms could indicate a B12 deficiency, including:.

Depression and irritability
Constipation, diarrhea, or changes in bowel movements
Muscle weakness and aches
Pale skin and jaundice
Trouble with balance and coordination

Getting Diagnosed and Treated

Getting tested for B12 deficiency is vital if you’re experiencing symptoms, particularly if you’re in one of the high-risk groups mentioned earlier.

A blood test is the standard diagnostic method along with assessing the symptoms. Treatment for B12 deficiency will depend on its cause. If a person’s low B12 level is due to dietary reasons, it can be treated by taking B12 supplements or consuming fortified foods. If the deficiency is due to a digestive disorder, doctors may recommend injections of B12.

Preventing B12 Deficiency

Preventing B12 deficiency is easy with a well-rounded, healthy diet. Including meat, fish, dairy, and eggs and fortified plant-based foods in your diet can help ensure that you get enough B12.

Those who do not consume animal products should consider taking a B12 supplement or using fortified plant-based options regularly.

The Bottom Line

Low B12 levels can cause significant tiredness and fatigue. If you are experiencing tiredness along with other symptoms, it’s essential to get tested.

Speak to your healthcare professional to ensure that you’re receiving optimal care and that you’re taking the necessary steps to prevent B12 deficiency from happening in the first place.