Being tired all the time is a symptom of B12 deficiency, but it can also signal hypothyroidism (low thyroid), a thyroid disease that occurs with low B12 levels. Because hypothyroid symptoms are similar, vitamin B12 deficiency often goes undetected.
B12 deficiency causes fatigue, depression, and other mood disorders often associated with an underactive thyroid. If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroiditis, then it’s also important also to recognize the symptoms of B12 deficiency, and know whether you might require more vitamin B12 (cobalamin).
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) that occurs in the thyroid gland, causing inflammation, and reducing its ability to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones.
Hashimoto’s disease is one example of thyroiditis that causes low thyroid levels.
Sometimes, thyroid treatment for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), such as radioactive iodine or surgery, can backfire, causing underactive thyroid symptoms.
Why am I always tired? Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Symptoms of low thyroid include:
- Empty facial expressions
- Husky, gravelly voice
- Chronic fatigue, tiredness
- Sluggish, droning speech patterns
- “Brain fog,” or confusion
- Depression
- Uncontrolled weight gain
- Droopy eyelids
- Puffy, bloated face
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry skin and hair
- Sparse hair, including eyebrows
- Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
- Muscular pain
- Feebleness
- Slow resting heart rate
- Orange-colored skin on the hands and feet
- Heavy menstrual periods in women
Vitamin B12 for Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient that is responsible for making red blood cells, controlling DNA synthesis, regulating the nervous system, and improving cognitive functioning. Without proper levels of vitamin B12, you may suffer neurological damage, dementia, or heart attack resulting from elevated homocysteine levels.
Low B12 symptoms include:
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue, tiredness
- Anxiety
- Short-term memory loss
- “Brain fog,” or confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Neurosis
- Altered taste perception
- Swollen, red tongue
- Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
- Awkward hand movements
- Loss of balance
- Clumsiness and stumbling
- Sleep problems
Balance your B12, Balance your Nerves
Thyroid disease and low B12 levels
In a study conducted in Sapir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel, patients with autoimmune thyroid disease received blood screening for vitamin B12 deficiency. Researchers noted a significantly high percentage of people with AITD who also had vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anemia, a disease that inhibits proper absorption of vitamin B12.
Another study conducted in Pakistan by Aga Khan University produced similar results; namely, a 40% prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among patients with hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism treatment
If you are a patient of hypothyroidism, then physicians strongly recommend routine blood testing for vitamin B12 deficiency, regardless of thyroid hormone levels.
Read more about B12 deficiency:
6 Degrees of Vitamin B12- B12 Deficiency and Autoimmune Disease
Worried about Low B12 Lab Results?
Female Rapper Missy Elliot, 15 Celebs with Thyroid Disorders
Sources:
Prevalence and evaluation of B12 deficiency in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease- PubMed NCBI
Vitamin B12 deficiency common in primary hypothyroidism- PubMed NCBI
Hypothyroidism & Vitamin B12 Deficiency- LIVESTRONG.COM
Vitamin B12 deficiency common in primary hypothyroidism
Image credits, from top: