I have symptoms ... Do I have B12 deficiency?

Dear Readers

This is one of the most common email queries.

Please do have a look around the site and in particular, use the symptoms calculator to check out your symptoms against known B12 deficiency symptoms - that will tell you if you have B12 deficiency or probably have it.

For example, there are certain common conditions which are always or nearly always associated with B12 deficiency, and in some cases, simply taking B12 (or having B12 from injections) is sufficient.  Examples include:

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ CFS, or Myalgic Encephalomyletis
  • Tired in the afternoon, but also too tired to sleep
  • Dry mouth and Beefy Tongue
  • Many neuropathic symptoms, including some forms of Multiple Sclerosis MS (we're calling the ones that can be cured "MS-like presentation")
  • Chest pains or palpitations BUT IF IT's FIRST TIME, then see a doctor or call 999
  • Hormone problems including hypo or hyperthyroidism, Adrenal insufficiency, heavy periods
  • Autoimmune problems inclucing some forms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

B12 is a very fundamental vitamin.  Usually you will have more than one of these in order to diagnose B12 deficiency