Experts Warn of Rising Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Children: Signs Parents Should Watch Closely

New Delhi | December 8, 2025 Health experts are raising concern over the growing number of children in India showing signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition that affects everything from energy levels to brain development. Vitamin B12, which is naturally found in animal-based foods and added to some vegetarian products, plays a key role in forming red blood cells, supporting nerve function, and helping the brain grow and develop properly. Without enough of this nutrient, children can experience a wide range of symptoms that may be easy to miss at first. A recent meta-analysis published in The European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine reported that nearly half of India’s population may have low levels of this vitamin. While adults commonly show symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, and memory issues, children experience a different and often more serious set of problems. Doctors say early detection is crucial, as prolonged deficiency can lead to long-term nerve and developmental issues. Many children with vitamin B12 deficiency appear unusually tired and weak. Parents may notice their child sleeping more than usual, playing less, or reacting slowly to their surroundings. This happens because the body struggles to produce healthy red blood cells without enough B12, reducing oxygen supply to different organs. When this continues for a long time, the child’s overall activity level drops noticeably. The deficiency can also slow a child’s developmental milestones. Babies may take longer to sit, crawl, or walk, and toddlers might show delays in speech or social interaction. In some cases, children lose skills they had already learned, such as proper head control or responsive communication. Since B12 supports nerve insulation and brain signals, any drop in its level affects how the brain grows. Parents may also observe changes in their child’s mood. Increased irritability, withdrawal, constant crying, and unusual fussiness can be linked to low B12 levels. The vitamin helps in producing chemicals that regulate mood, so a deficiency often affects behaviour along with physical health. Digestive problems are another common warning sign. A child may lose appetite, struggle with constipation, or have frequent bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea. If these symptoms continue, the child may start losing weight, which worsens the cycle of poor nutrient absorption. More serious symptoms include tingling in the hands or feet, poor coordination, or unusually floppy muscles. In infants, parents might notice reduced limb movement or sudden twitching. Older children may find it harder to walk steadily or carry out basic tasks like holding small objects. These neurological symptoms appear when the nerves do not get enough support from vitamin B12. Some children also show visible physical changes. A swollen or sore tongue may make it difficult for them to eat or drink comfortably. Their skin may appear too pale or develop darker patches. Bluish nails can also be a sign of poor blood formation. If the deficiency becomes severe, children may develop anaemia, which brings symptoms like rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, and extreme tiredness. Blood tests often show enlarged red blood cells and sometimes low levels of platelets or white blood cells, increasing the risk of infections. Doctors stress that parents must not ignore these warning signs. Since the symptoms can resemble many other conditions, proper testing and timely medical guidance are essential. Early treatment can prevent long-term damage and help children return to healthy growth and development. Experts Warn of Rising Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Children: Signs Parents Should Watch Closely Many parents may not realise that vitamin B12 deficiency in children is becoming more common in India, and the symptoms can be easy to miss. This essential nutrient helps with red blood cell formation, brain growth, nerve function, and overall energy levels. When children don’t get enough of it, their health and development can be affected in ways that show up slowly but have long-lasting impact if ignored. One of the first noticeable signs is unusual tiredness. Kids may sleep more, play less, or seem less active than usual. Since B12 helps carry oxygen around the body, low levels can make children feel drained even after rest. Another important sign is delayed growth or development. Babies may take longer to sit, crawl, or talk, and older children may lose interest in activities or social interaction. Some may even lose skills they had already learned. Mood changes are another hint. If a child becomes more irritable, cries more often, or prefers staying alone, it could be linked to low B12, which affects brain chemicals that control mood. Digestive issues like constipation, vomiting, or loss of appetite also show up often, sometimes leading to weight loss. More worrying signs include tingling in the hands or feet, weak muscles, and trouble with balance or coordination. These happen because the nerves aren’t getting the support they need. Visible changes like a swollen tongue, pale skin, dark patches, or bluish nails can also point to the deficiency. In severe cases, children may develop anaemia, leading to breathlessness, fast heartbeat, and extreme weakness. Doctors say early detection is key, and parents should not ignore these symptoms. With proper treatment, most children recover well and return to healthy development.