When lacking this vitamin a number of unusual symptoms, such as Puffiness, dark circles and prominent blue veins, related to your eyes may ensue.

According to experts, Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that aids in the health of your body’s blood and nerve cells, as well as the production of DNA, which is the genetic material found in all of your cells. This is why a lack of this important nutrient can have serious consequences for the body.

If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms tend to increase, and permanent nerve and brain problems may occur. It’s also possible that you’ll get a number of significant consequences, such as heart failure.

Due to B12’s diuretic properties, it can assist the body in removing excess water, and hence swelling can occur without it.

As a result, a B12 deficiency is considered to be a primary contributor to water retention.

Excess fluids build up inside the body, causing water retention, also known as fluid retention or oedema.

This can cause the tissue around the eyes to swell, giving them a puffy look.

According to NetDoctor, B vitamins are critical for the human body.

“They include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 (also called folic acid) and B12.

“Some of them may have a role in circulatory health and water balance in the body.

“A healthy diet should give you all the B vitamins your body needs to function normally so make sure you include a variety of foods and if you decide to take a B vitamin supplement, don’t take more than the recommended dose.”

Low iron or B12 levels are a common cause of dark under-eye circles.

Poor oxygenation of physiological tissues can arise from a B12 deficiency, and the results are most visible under the eyes.

It’s possible that bluish veins around the eyes will be more evident.

“Be sure to drink plenty of water, pack in the antioxidants, and minimise the consumption of salt and alcohol in your diet,” advised MZ Skin.

These factors cause water retention, oedema, and decreased circulation, all of which contribute to a change in look around the eyes.

B12 deficiency can damage the optic nerve or clog the blood vessels in the retina, resulting in fuzzy vision, double vision, light sensitivity, and even vision loss in severe cases.

“Vitamin B12 deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with optic nerve cupping and bitemporal visual field loss,” said The Review of Optometry.

The health site continued: “Risk factors for developing this deficiency include malnutrition, tobacco or alcohol abuse, age and any type of malabsorption disorder.

“Some patients may experience an improvement and partial recovery of visual function after vitamin B12 supplementation.”

Other symptoms warning of low B12 levels include:

• A pale-yellow tinge to your skin
• A sore and red tongue (glossitis)
• Mouth ulcers
• Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
• Changes in the way that you walk and move around
• Disturbed vision
• Irritability
• Depression.

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