Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with B12 and folate deficiency are frequently subtle and nonspecific. They are related to the resulting macrocytic anemia, nerve involvement, and gastrointestinal changes. Patients with an early deficiency may be diagnosed before they experience any overt symptoms. Other affected patients may experience a variety of mild to severe symptoms that can include:
The symptoms associated with B12 and folate deficiency are frequently subtle and nonspecific. They are related to the resulting macrocytic anemia, nerve involvement, and gastrointestinal changes. Patients with an early deficiency may be diagnosed before they experience any overt symptoms. Other affected patients may experience a variety of mild to severe symptoms that can include:
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue, weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Malabsorption
- Paleness
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Sore tongue and mouth
- Tingling, numbness, and/or burning in the feet, hands, arms, and legs (with B12)
