Our brain controls everything from memory and concentration to movement and emotions. Yet, many people overlook one nutrient that plays a crucial role in keeping it healthy—vitamin B12. Constant fatigue, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes are often dismissed as signs of stress or ageing, but in some cases, they may indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Observed every year on July 22, World Brain Day aims to raise awareness about brain health, the prevention of neurological disorders, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The initiative was launched by the World Federation of Neurology in 2014 to encourage people worldwide to take better care of their brain and nervous system.
According to Dr. Laxman Ramachandran, Consultant Physician, while healthy habits such as good sleep, regular exercise, and mental stimulation are essential for brain health, vitamin B12 is an equally important nutrient that often receives less attention. A deficiency can affect both the brain and the nervous system, sometimes long before other symptoms become noticeable.
Vitamin B12 plays a key role in maintaining the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve fibres. This layer functions like the insulation around an electrical wire, allowing nerve signals to travel quickly and accurately between the brain and the rest of the body. When vitamin B12 levels are low, nerve communication may become less efficient, potentially affecting memory, coordination, and overall brain function.
The vitamin is also essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and DNA. Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body, including to the brain. Without enough vitamin B12, oxygen delivery may be compromised, contributing to fatigue and reduced mental performance.
One of the challenges with vitamin B12 deficiency is that its symptoms often develop gradually. Early warning signs may include persistent tiredness, forgetfulness, poor concentration, confusion, mood swings, or difficulty thinking clearly. Some people may also experience tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" sensation in their hands and feet, which can indicate nerve involvement.
Studies have linked long-term vitamin B12 deficiency to several neurological and mental health problems. If left untreated, the deficiency can lead to nerve damage that may become difficult to reverse. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore important.
Certain groups are more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency. These include older adults, people following a strict vegan diet, and individuals with medical conditions that reduce the body's ability to absorb the vitamin, such as certain gastrointestinal disorders or those who have undergone stomach or intestinal surgery.
The good news is that vitamin B12 deficiency can usually be diagnosed through a simple blood test. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may involve dietary changes, oral supplements, or vitamin B12 injections prescribed by a healthcare professional.
On this World Brain Day, experts encourage people not to ignore persistent symptoms such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, unexplained fatigue, or tingling in the hands and feet. Taking timely medical advice, maintaining a balanced diet, and correcting vitamin deficiencies can go a long way in protecting both brain function and overall neurological health.
