Feeling tired is often associated with disrupted sleep or workplace stress, but the NHS has warned that the sleepy sensation could signal vitamin B12 deficiency.
The health body explains that vitamin B12 and folate perform several important functions in the body, such as keeping the nervous system healthy and making red blood cells. It can also help to prevent anaemia, which causes a lack of energy and extreme tiredness.
The NHS writes: “Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of vitamin B12 or folate causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly.”
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It adds that red blood cells carry oxygen around the body using a substance called haemoglobin.
“Anaemia is the general term for having either fewer red blood cells than normal or having an abnormally low amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell,” the health body highlights.
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Common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
There are a number of red flags that can occur if someone has a vitamin B12 deficiency, these include:
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Extreme tiredness
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Lack of energy
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Pins and needles
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A sore and red tongue
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Mouth ulcers
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Muscle weakness
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Problems with your vision
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Psychological problems, ranging from mild depression or anxiety to confusion and dementia
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Problems with memory, understanding and judgement
Some of these symptoms can also happen in people who have a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency but have not developed anaemia.
Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency
While vitamin B12 and folate deficiency are more common in older people, there are a number of problems that can also cause the condition.
The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK is pernicious anaemia. This is when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the stomach, preventing the body from absorbing vitamin B12 in food.
Some people develop the deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. This can happen to those who consume a vegan diet and do not take vitamin B12 supplements or eat foods fortified with vitamin B12.
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A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.
Certain medicines, including anticonvulsants and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can also lead to a deficiency of essential vitamins.
The NHS recommends visiting a GP if you're experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia.
It added: "These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test. It's important for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
"Although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated. The longer the condition goes untreated, the higher the chance of permanent damage."
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