Understanding Headaches from B12 Deficiency
Understand how Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause headaches, along with other symptoms, causes, and treatment options for lasting relief.
Written by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 17th Oct, 2025
Introduction
Headaches are a common problem that most of us experience at some point in our lives. While stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep are usual culprits, sometimes headaches can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency—particularly a lack of Vitamin B12.
If you frequently suffer from headaches and haven’t found relief from usual remedies, it might be worth checking your B12 levels. In this article, we’ll explore how B12 deficiency can lead to headaches, its symptoms, causes, and what you can do about it.
What is Vitamin B12 and Why is it Important?
Vitamin B12 (also called cobalamin) is a crucial nutrient that helps:
Keep your nerves and blood cells healthy.
Support brain function.
Aid in the production of DNA.
Prevent a type of anaemia called megaloblastic anaemia, which makes you feel weak and tired.
Since your body doesn’t produce B12 on its own, you need to get it from food or supplements.
Can Low B12 Cause Headaches?
Yes! A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can contribute to headaches, especially migraines or tension-type headaches. Here’s how:
1. Nerve Function Disruption: B12 is essential for maintaining the protective covering (myelin sheath) around nerves. Low levels can lead to nerve irritation, which may trigger headaches.
2. Reduced Oxygen Supply: B12 helps in red blood cell production. A deficiency can lead to fewer or abnormally large red blood cells, reducing oxygen flow to the brain and causing headaches.
3. Increased Homocysteine Levels: Low B12 can raise homocysteine (an amino acid) in the blood, which is linked to migraines and vascular headaches.
Other Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
Besides headaches, a B12 deficiency can cause:
Fatigue and weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
Memory problems or confusion
Mood changes (depression, irritability)
Pale or yellowish skin
Vision disturbances
If you experience these symptoms along with frequent headaches, consult a doctor for a blood test.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
What Causes B12 Deficiency?
Several factors can lead to low B12 levels:
1. Dietary Deficiency: Vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk since B12 is mainly found in animal products (meat, fish, eggs, dairy).
2. Poor Absorption: Conditions like pernicious anaemia (an autoimmune disorder), celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or stomach surgeries can reduce B12 absorption.
3. Medications: Long-term use of acid-reducing drugs (like PPIs) or metformin (for diabetes) can interfere with B12 absorption.
4. Age: Older adults produce less stomach acid, making it harder to absorb B12 from food.
How to Manage B12 Deficiency and Prevent Headaches
1. Get Tested
If you suspect a B12 deficiency, a simple blood test can confirm it. You can book a test through Apollo 24|7 for quick and accurate results.
2. Increase B12 Intake Through Diet
Include these B12-rich foods in your diet:
Meat (beef, chicken, liver)
Fish (salmon, tuna)
Eggs and dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt)
Fortified cereals and plant-based milk (for vegetarians/vegans)
3. Consider Supplements
If dietary changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend:
Oral B12 supplements (cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin)
B12 injections (for severe deficiency or absorption issues)
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen headaches.
Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga.
Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can trigger headaches.
When to See a Doctor?
If headaches persist despite lifestyle changes, or if you experience:
Severe, sudden headaches
Vision changes
Weakness or numbness
Confusion or memory loss
Seek medical help immediately, as these could indicate a more serious condition.
Conclusion
Headaches from B12 deficiency are treatable once diagnosed. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained headaches along with fatigue, tingling, or mood changes, a simple blood test can help determine if B12 deficiency is the cause. With the right diet, supplements, and medical guidance, you can restore your B12 levels and reduce headaches effectively.
Book a consultation with a doctor on Apollo 24|7 to get personalised advice and treatment.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
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VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Utsa Basu
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14 Years • MBBS , MD
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Diab-Eat-Ease, Barasat
(75+ Patients)
Dr. S A Mallick
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS , MD
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Dr. S A Mallick's Chamber, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Manish Mathur
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
23 Years • MD Physician, MRCP
Delhi
The Medi Centre, Delhi
Dr. Remya Rajan
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Utsa Basu
Diabetologist
14 Years • MBBS , MD
Barasat
Diab-Eat-Ease, Barasat
(75+ Patients)
Dr. S A Mallick
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS , MD
Kolkata
Dr. S A Mallick's Chamber, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Manish Mathur
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
23 Years • MD Physician, MRCP
Delhi
The Medi Centre, Delhi
Dr. Remya Rajan
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
