Engaging Introduction

Let me tell you about the year I thought I was falling apart.

I was tired all the time—not "need a nap" tired, but "can't keep my eyes open at 2 PM" tired. My hands and feet tingled at random moments. I felt dizzy when I stood up too fast. My memory was foggy; I'd walk into a room and forget why.

I went to my doctor convinced I had multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor. She listened, asked a few questions, and then ordered a simple blood test.

"Your B12 is very low," she said.

I was shocked. I wasn't a vegan. I ate eggs, dairy, and occasional meat. How could I be deficient?

She explained that B12 deficiency doesn't only happen to vegans. It can be caused by pernicious anemia (an autoimmune condition that blocks absorption), stomach surgeries, long-term use of acid-reducing medications, Crohn's or celiac disease, and simply aging (as we get older, our stomach produces less acid, which is needed to absorb B12 from food).

She put me on B12 supplements. Within weeks, my symptoms began to fade. Within months, I felt like myself again.

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis—but your body can't make it. You must get it from food (animal products) or supplements. And because symptoms of deficiency develop slowly and subtly, many people don't realize they're low until the problem becomes serious.

Here are 8 unusual—but real—signs your body might be crying out for more B12. If you notice these, especially in combination, talk to your doctor about testing.

First: Who Is at Risk for B12 Deficiency?

Before we dive into the signs, let me list the risk factors. You may be at higher risk if you:

Are over 60 (decreased stomach acid impairs B12 absorption from food)
Are vegan or vegetarian (B12 is found naturally only in animal products)
Have had weight loss surgery (gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy)
Take acid-reducing medications (PPIs like omeprazole, H2 blockers like famotidine)
Have Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis
Have pernicious anemia (an autoimmune condition that blocks B12 absorption)
Drink heavily (alcohol interferes with absorption)
Have diabetes and take metformin (a common diabetes medication that reduces B12 levels)

If you fall into any of these categories, pay extra attention to the signs below.