You feel exhausted, confused, and disconnected. It's not laziness or stress: it could be a vitamin B12 deficiency, a silent problem that many women ignore.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common than you might think, especially in women over 40, vegetarians or vegans, people with digestive problems, and those taking certain medications like omeprazole or metformin. The worrying thing is that its symptoms are often mistaken for stress or everyday exhaustion, delaying diagnosis for months… or even years.

This vitamin is essential for key functions such as:

• Red blood cell production

• The healthy functioning of the nervous system

• Cellular metabolism and DNA synthesis

When it's missing, your body starts to notice it in many ways:

• Constant fatigue and muscle weakness

• Feeling of confusion or “brain fog”

• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

• Memory loss or difficulty concentrating

• Palpitations, dizziness, paleness

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

Women are particularly vulnerable because they often overlook these signs, attributing them to lifestyle or hormonal cycles. However, prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can cause irreversible neurological damage.

Diagnosis is made with a simple blood test, and treatment can be as accessible as oral supplements or intramuscular injections, depending on the level of deficiency. In addition, incorporating foods rich in B12 (liver, sardines, eggs, milk, lean meat) can help prevent recurrence.

There are also sublingual or vegan versions available, ideal for those who don't consume animal products. Fortunately, recovery after treatment is usually quick and very noticeable: energy returns, memory improves, and that feeling of constant fatigue disappears.

If you feel disconnected from yourself, do your body a favor: listen to it and check your B12 levels. It could be the first step to regaining your vitality.