Many of us have heard of iron deficiency anaemia, a condition which affects an estimated 3% of men and 12% of premenopausal women in the UK.
Symptoms include tiredness, paleness, shortness of breath, and palpitations.
But there are other kinds of anaemia, too 鈥 types like vitamin B12 or B9 (also known as folate) anaemia.
Iron-deficient anaemia lowers your red blood cell count, which makes it harder for oxygen to move around your body.
But folate or vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia can lead to abnormally large red blood cells that can鈥檛 do their job properly.
The NHS adds that it鈥檚 important to spot the signs of the condition early because 鈥渁lthough many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible鈥.
Per the health service, one of the biggest signs of folate or vitamin B12 deficiency is 鈥減sychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety to confusion and dementia.鈥
How can I tell if my anxiety comes from a vitamin B deficiency?
If you have anxiety or a low mood that is affecting your day-to-day life, you should see a GP regardless of what you feel is causing it.
And if you suspect you have a vitamin B deficiency, you should mention this to your GP. They may ask you for other symptoms and run a blood test.
Not everyone with a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency will have developed vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia, but not getting enough of either means you鈥檙e likely to see signs and will need treatment.
Other signs of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency include:
extreme tirednessa lack of energypins and needlesa sore and red tonguemouth ulcersmuscle weaknessproblems with your visiontrouble with your memory and judgement.
Why is it so important to get a suspected vitamin B12 and folate deficiency checked out?
As the NHS says, untreated vitamin B12 can lead to bigger health issues down the line. The longer it goes without treatment, the higher the risk.
Healthcare provider Cleveland Clinic says that untreated B12 or folate deficiency can cause complications like infertility, decreased cognitive function, dementia or even some cancers.
It may also increase the risk of heart failure.
A B12 or folate deficiency can be treated through injections and tablets, and may sometimes stay at a safe level through diet.
Vitamin B12-rich foods include meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and fortified foods. Meanwhile, foods like broccoli, sprouts, and peas are high in folate.
Help and support:
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.ukRethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.