Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining the entire nervous system and the proper functioning of the brain.

It is essential for the formation of new red blood cells, DNA, maintaining a healthy metabolism, and keeping the nerves healthy. The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 mcg, which can be found in animal products such as meat, dairy products, and eggs.

Vegetarians and Vegans may have trouble getting enough Vitamin B12 as they do not consume enough of these foods. A B12 deficiency can lead to several psychological symptoms that should be treated immediately.

What are the symptoms of B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is not uncommon. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that up to 15% of adults in the United States have a deficiency of Vitamin B12.

The following are some of the symptoms that can be caused due to B12 deficiency:.

Mood Changes

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause several mood changes. People who are suffering from B12 deficiency may become irritable, anxious, or depressed.

Additionally, people who have low levels of Vitamin B12 may experience confusion, fatigue, and problems concentrating that can dramatically affect their quality of life.

Cognitive Delays

B12 deficiency is known to cause cognitive impairments in all ages. Children who suffer from a Vitamin B12 deficiency may experience a delay in their physical and cognitive development.

Adults who have a lack of Vitamin B12 may have trouble performing simply thinking tasks such as remembering names, passwords or maintaining focus in a conversation. Severe deficiency can even lead to dementia or other types of cognitive decline.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a severe mental disorder that can happen to some people due to vitamin B12 deficiency. This often happens when a person is severely deficient in Vitamin B12 for an extended period.

Psychosis symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thoughts. Regrettably, it’s not always possible to reverse psychosis fully once it starts, so it’s essential to diagnose the problem as soon as possible.

Depression and Anxiety

One of the common symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency is depression and anxiety. Research suggests that there is a strong link between low serum levels of Vitamin B12 and depressive symptoms.

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in the regulation of serotonin, which is involved in the regulation of mood. Thankfully, supplementing with Vitamin B12 has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Paranoia

People suffering from Vitamin B12 deficiency may sometimes experience a sense of paranoia.

This sense of paranoia can lead to a person’s thought process involving strange or unusual ideas and beliefs, including a preoccupation with delusions or hallucinations. Like any other psychological disorders, it leads to negative impact of quality of life leading patients to social isolation and other problems.

Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disturbances

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to sleep disorders, such as insomnia or hypersomnia. People may find it challenging to fall asleep, and when they do, they may not be able to stay asleep for long.

Additionally, those who lack Vitamin B12 can experience daytime sleepiness and find it difficult to stay awake or focused during daily activities.

Irritability and Restlessness

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause irritability and restlessness. These symptoms can affect a person’s everyday life, leading to problems with engaging in activities and living a fulfilling life.

It could also drive a wedge between couples and break friendships due to the affected person’s mood swings and erratic behaviour.

Tremors or Shaking

B12 deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as tremors or shaking. These tremors could be mild or severe, and they could affect one or more parts of the body.

It can also lead a person to have a weakened grip, which makes it tough to hold things and do some essential movements.

Memory impairment

Vitamin B12 Deficiency can impair your memory. The memory loss due to B12 deficiency typically involves the loss of short-term memory, difficulty in recalling recent events or conversations.

In severe cases, people may suffer from retrograde amnesia, where they lose some information from their memory that they would like to retain.

Anemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, a condition where there are not enough red blood cells in the body. In this condition, your body will experience a deprived supply of oxygen that leads to easy fatigue, weakness and fainting.

Anemia can leave a person feeling tired and weak for an extended period until the deficiency is treated effectively.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 deficiency is known to have several psychological symptoms that can affect a person’s quality of life. Including other symptoms such as lethargy, constipation, skin problems, unsteady gait etc., all those should be treated immediately.

In case you feel you or your loved one experiences any of the symptoms, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider immediately, test your B12 levels and start the necessary treatment. Maintaining healthy food habits, especially for those who follow veganism or vegetarianism, is the key to preventing Vitamin B12 deficiency and its psychological impacts.