Vitamin B12 deficiency: signs can be seen on the face, experts say

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Vitamin B12 deficiency is much more common than many people think. And the consequences of this can also be much more serious than it seems at first glance. After all, this is the most important vitamin for the healthy functioning of the body. It is necessary for the production of red blood cells – the most numerous components of the blood, which contain hemoglobin.

The symptoms of B12 deficiency can develop very slowly. But there are symptoms on the basis of which you should be wary. With reference to Data from The Thyroid Patient Advocacy, which supports patients with endocrinological problems, there are two main signs of a possible lack of this vitamin.

1. Facial pain, or neuralgia. Usually felt only on one side of the face, can be sharp and shooting or dull. A study published in MD Edge Neurology found that vitamin B12 deficiency can cause isolated facial neuralgia, as well as a feeling of numbness on the affected side of the face.
2. A yellower complexion. The whites of the eyes can also turn yellow – this condition is also called jaundice. The reason for such a change in facial color is related to a violation of the production of erythrocytes in the body. When the body lacks B12, it cannot produce red blood cells in the required quantity.

At the same time, experts warn: it is dangerous to engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment, the correct diagnosis can only be made by a doctor. It is also worth bearing in mind that these symptoms may not be the only signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. There can be at least ten such symptoms. If you suspect any of them, you should consult a therapist.