What deficiency causes fatigue and shortness of breath?

Author: Wilhelm Johns  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

If you have vitamin B12–deficiency anemia, you may have the typical symptoms of anemia at first, such as fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, headaches, or dizziness. If left untreated, you may start to notice brain and nervous system symptoms.

What does B12 fatigue feel like?

extreme tiredness (fatigue) lack of energy (lethargy) breathlessness. feeling faint.

What vitamin deficiency can cause shortness of breath?

Most symptoms are the same whether they are caused by either folate deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia include: rapid breathing or shortness of breath.

What hurts when your iron is low?

Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath. Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.

What drink has the most iron?

The following drinks high in iron for anemia can supplement your diet:
  • Prune juice. Prune juice is high in iron and is an excellent supplement to heme (animal-based) iron. ...
  • Beetroot juice. ...
  • Spinach, cashew, and raspberry smoothie. ...
  • Cocoa and beef liver smoothie. ...
  • Pea protein shakes. ...
  • Pumpkin juice.

Anemia: Why Does It Cause Shortness of Breath?

How does a person feel with low iron?

Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are related to decreased oxygen delivery to the entire body and may include: Being pale or having yellow "sallow" skin. Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy. Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with activity.

What organ is affected by B12 deficiency?

If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. More severe side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include: Peripheral neuropathy. Degeneration of the spinal cord.

What is the fastest way to fix B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12, called hydroxocobalamin. At first, you'll have these injections every other day for 2 weeks or until your symptoms have started improving.

What vitamin deficiency causes you to feel cold and tired?

Being deficient in vitamin B12 can affect the body's ability to produce enough red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues and organs, including those that regulate our body temperature and stop us feeling too hot or too cold.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

What is the best supplement for shortness of breath?

Certain supplements, such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C, D, A, and E, have been shown to improve or protect lung health. If you are considering taking a new supplement for lung health, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider first.

What deficiency causes tiredness?

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium, are among the most common causes of unexplained fatigue. Vitamin D deficiencies affect over 50% of the global population, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.

How soon after taking B12 will I feel better?

It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.

What blocks B12 absorption?

Conditions affecting the stomach

Some stomach conditions or stomach operations can prevent the absorption of enough vitamin B12. For example, a gastrectomy, a surgical procedure where part of your stomach is removed, increases your risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Why am I always tired and have no energy as a female?

Common causes of tiredness and fatigue include: not getting enough sleep or finding it hard to get to sleep (insomnia) an unhealthy lifestyle (such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise) stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby.

What is the #1 food highest in B12?

Top foods with B12
  • Clams, 3 ounces: 84 mcg.
  • 100% fortified breakfast cereal (check the label), 1 serving: 6.
  • Trout, 3 ounces: 5.4.
  • Salmon, 3 ounces: 4.9.
  • Canned tuna fish, 3 ounces: 2.5.
  • Fortified soy milk, chocolate (check the label): 1.7.
  • Beef, 3 ounces: 1.5.
  • Nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 6 ounces: 1.3.

What are the negatives to taking B12?

High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause:
  • Headache.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fatigue or weakness.
  • Tingling sensation in hands and feet.

Why are doctors stopping B12 injections?

Coronavirus has made it necessary to move patients on B12 injections to oral treatment. Reason: RISK REDUCTION in terms of limiting your movement outside your home and contact with our staff and nurses. Nationally all NHS organisations will be stopping injections during this difficult time.

What cancers are linked to B12 deficiency?

Particularly, individuals with lung, stomach, colon, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancers are more prone to experiencing a deficiency in vitamin B12. This article will discuss different types of cancers causing vitamin B12 deficiency, associated symptoms, and available treatment options.

What medications should not be taken with B12?

Summary: As summarized in the table provided, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption and utilization by the body can be compromised with the chronic use of certain medications which include: colchicine, chloramphenicol, ethanol, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI).

What deficiency causes heavy legs?

What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Heavy Legs? Deficiencies in vitamins such as D or B-12 might have a fatiguing effect that is similar to the feeling of heaviness in the legs. Having said that, consistent heaviness in the legs is more likely to result from a vein condition such as varicose or spider veins.

How to check iron levels at home?

How do I use an at-home iron test?
  1. Order a kit online or at a local pharmacy.
  2. Use the provided testing materials to perform a finger prick.
  3. Collect a blood sample.
  4. Send the sample to a laboratory.
  5. Wait for the results.

Does black poop mean iron tablets are working?

Taking iron tablets can turn the stool a dark, almost black color (actually dark green). This is normal, and does not mean that the iron tablets are causing GI bleeding. Children are at particular risk of iron poisoning (overdose), making it very important to store iron tablets out of the reach of children.

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