Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency is characterized by megaloblastic anemia. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Neurological changes (e.g. numbness and tingling in the extremities)
- Balance difficulties
- Depression
- Poor memory
- Dementia
- Mouth sores
- Blurred vision
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can also result in elevated homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia). This often does not cause any symptoms in adults, but can increase the risk of various health complications, particularly related to the vascular system (e.g. atherosclerosis, blood clots. heart attacks, and coronary artery disease).