Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin necessary for functions such as DNA synthesis, red blood cell production and proper nerve function. The body stores three to five years' worth of B12, so symptoms can often take months or years to manifest. Early symptoms of a B12 deficiency often include fatigue and lack of energy. However, if a B12 deficiency goes untreated, serious complications may develop.
Anemia
A deficiency of B12 will often start out with a slight decrease in the amount of red blood cells produced. This often does not cause symptoms, allowing the deficiency to continue unchecked. However, over time this may result in a condition known as B12 deficiency anemia. Anemia is a lack of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell production. Red blood cells contain the protein hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to cells for energy production. MedlinePlus explains that anemia can cause diarrhea, loss of appetite, pale skin and shortness of breath, most noticeable upon exertion.
Loss of Balance
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes disruption and damage to the peripheral nerves. Early symptoms may present as a slight imbalance or buckling of the knees. Over time, this may lead to a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nerves relay information between the spinal cord and brain to the skin, joints and other organs. If the damage occurs within the motor fibers, it may interfere with muscle control, causing weakness, loss of dexterity and even muscle loss, according to MedlinePlus. People may experience muscle twitches, cramping and paralysis.
Numbness
Early symptoms of B12 deficiency include a feeling of tingling within the extremities. When damage to the sensory nerve becomes worse, people often experience pains in the arms, hands, legs and feet. MayoClinic.com explains that people may note sharp, jabbing or electrical shock sensations. Other symptoms may include numbness or burning sensations. These sensory changes may cause a lack of coordination and an inability to determine joint position.
Altered Mental Status
In early vitamin B12 deficiencies, people may have difficulty concentrating. Over time, as the deficiency progresses, people may note other changes such as depression and confusion. In severe cases, people may experience severe dementia. People with mild cognitive dementia may experience forgetfulness of recent events and have difficulty multitasking and solving problems. Severe dementia can cause people to forget current events or life history; have difficulty reading and writing; have poor judgment, hallucinations and arguments; and strike out and display violent behavior. Symptoms may reverse if the B12 deficiency is treated quickly.
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