Pale, yellowish skin. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a form of anemia, which is why one of the symptoms is a pale yellow discoloration of the skin, caused by the breakdown of red blood cells.
Numbness and tingling. A deficiency of this vitamin directly affects the nerves, causing both symptoms, often accompanied by problems maintaining balance.
Mood swings. The same neurological effects that cause the previous symptoms can impact mood. Anxiety, depression, and constant mood swings can be symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, which is essential for regulating hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
Red tongue. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause loss of papillae on the tongue. If your tongue is red and you can’t taste food, try having your vitamin B12 levels checked with a blood test.
Vision problems. A severe vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the optic nerve, causing blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and, in some cases, even blindness.