A concerning number of B12 deficiency patients report being left in the dark as their condition takes a turn for the worse, sometimes due to overlooked blood test results.
B12 deficiency sufferers like Michelle Griff, who experienced an onslaught of physical changes, have highlighted the broad scope of signs that can occur.
The TikToker reported that the deficiency left her hospitalised for days, unable to understand why she couldn’t speak or walk.
Despite receiving treatment for the condition, Michelle continues to experience symptoms like ridges on her tongue.
The TikToker urged those with symptoms to challenge normal blood test results
GETTY / TIKTOK / MICHELLE_GRIFF
In a recent clip showing viewers the inside of her mouth, she encouraged others to question 'normal' blood test results.
"If you have ridges on your tongue, and it’s accompanied by dizziness, chronic fatigue, pins and needles in your limbs, hands, feet, numbness and tingling, stabbing pains in your head, depression and gut issues, then you might have a B12 deficiency," she warned viewers.
She told anyone who suspects they have a B12 deficiency to request B12 and folate blood work from their GP.
In previous videos, the B12 deficiency sufferer described discomfort "on the level of labour pain", noting: "I also had chronic dizziness, and I still experience this.
"My legs go jelly still, too, but I’m so much better than I was in the bad days."
Changes in the tongue occur when the condition disrupts the normal function of cells inside the mouth, including the papillae.
Over time, this paves the way for symptoms like glossitis, where the tongue becomes swollen and red, or depapillation, where it appears smooth and shiny.
Some patients may experience a reduced or altered taste sensation, or even a burning feeling, as the oxygen deficiency reduces their supply.
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Michelle was told it could take years for her symptoms to clear
GETTY
Even since starting treatment with B12 injections, Michelle was told it could take years for her symptoms to clear completely.
The NHS notes that B12 and folate deficiency cause a wide range of symptoms that develop gradually and worsen the longer the condition goes untreated.
"See a GP if you’re experiencing symptoms," the health body urges Britons.
"These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test."
