Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Skin Signs, Cognitive Impact, and Dietary Sources

Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect brain health and cognitive function, potentially accelerating age-related cognitive decline, according to a study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining peripheral nerves, cognitive brain health, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, weakness, pale or jaundiced skin, tingling, memory and concentration issues, depression, breathlessness, and a swollen tongue. Severe deficiency can lead to neurological and cognitive impairments. The daily recommendation for adults is 2.4 micrograms. Dietary sources include fish, meat, eggs, dairy products, and fortified foods. Active B12 (holotranscobalamin) is directly usable by cells, while inactive B12 (bound to haptocorrin) circulates in the bloodstream but is not available to cells. Testing active B12 levels may provide a more accurate assessment of deficiency. Low active B12 combined with high inactive B12 may indicate cognitive function impairment. Including vitamin B12 in the diet is essential for maintaining cognitive health.