AIIMS doctor warns vegetarians of vitamin B12 deficiency: Symptoms, risks and foods to add to your diet

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, symptoms like fatigue, forgetfulness, or numbness are often dismissed as signs of stress or overwork. However, doctors are urging people to take these warning signs seriously, as they could point to a vitamin B12 deficiency — a condition more common than many realise, especially among vegetarians, the elderly, and those on long-term medication for acidity. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation, nerve function, cell metabolism, and DNA production. Left untreated, its deficiency can lead to anaemia, muscle weakness, nerve damage, intestinal issues, and mood disturbances.

According to Dr Aanchal Panth, a dermatologist from AIIMS, strict vegetarians are particularly at risk because vitamin B12 is predominantly found in animal-based foods. “It’s also common in elderly patients who are on anti-acidity medications and in individuals with malabsorption syndromes,” she explained in a recent post.

Dr Panth listed key warning signs to look out for, including:

- Tingling in limbs and numbness

Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet may result from nerve damage caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12.

- Persistent fatigue and weakness
One of the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency is feeling weak or fatigued.

- Pale skin

A pale yellow discolouration of the skin can be a visible sign of vitamin B12 deficiency, often resembling symptoms of jaundice.

- Shortness of breath

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to shortness of breath, even after minimal physical activity.

Jaipur-based physician Dr Rishabh Gupta added more to the list, noting that yellowish skin (jaundice), confusion or memory issues, painful mouth sores, and even mood swings could all signal dangerously low levels of B12. He also pointed out that symptoms like weakness in the hands and feet may be early red flags that shouldn't be ignored.

The good news? Vitamin B12 deficiency is manageable — and in most cases, reversible — through diet or supplementation.


Dr Aanchal highlighted several Vitamin B12-rich foods that can help prevent deficiency, especially for those at higher risk. These include animal-based sources like eggs, milk, cheese, yoghurt, salmon, tuna, and liver, as well as vegetarian-friendly options such as nutritional yeast and fortified soy milk.