Coronavirus: THIS vitamin B12 deficiency symptom could also be a COVID symptom

The novel coronavirus brought with it a range of mild, moderate to severe symptoms, while giving light to several long term health complications. Fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat and body pain are some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19.

But while the pandemic began just over two years ago, vitamin deficiencies have remained a problem from time immemorial.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most complicated conditions known to the human body. A lot of bodily and nerve functions are associated with it, which is why experts warn against taking it lightly.

Now, amid the ongoing pandemic, experts have highlighted an unusual symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency, that may also arise with COVID-19. Let's take a look at what it is.

Also read: Coronavirus explainer: Lingering cough after COVID-19? Why it happens and what to do about it

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is not naturally produced in the body rather can be acquired through certain foods. It not only helps enhance energy and boost metabolism, but it also works towards the development of brain and nerve cells, while also facilitating the production of DNA.

That said, low levels of vitamin B12 in the body can often lead to several health issues and cause symptoms.

What's shocking is that one of the symptoms of vitamin B12 is said to coincide with a symptom of COVID-19, as per an expert.

According to Dr Claire Shortt, Lead Scientist & Nutritionist at FoodMarble, one of the tell-tale signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency is altered sense of smell or taste, reports express.co.uk.

Similarly, the Harvard Medical school also confirms and explains that “severe” vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to loss of taste and smell.

Also read: Explainer: Who are more at risk of contracting monkeypox?

Temporary loss of smell, or anosmia, is a neurological symptom linked to COVID-19. However, severe vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause harm to the nerves throughout the body, which include nerves required for olfaction (sense of smell).

A study published in the journal International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, involved 39 patients with low vitamin B12 levels and 34 controls.

Comparing the two groups, the researchers found that problems with a sense of smell may be prevalent in those with a vitamin B12 deficiency.

“In this study, we showed for the first time that olfactory dysfunction may be present in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency," the authors said.

As far as COVID-19 is concerned, the Zoe Covid Study app has revealed that loss of smell is also the “strongest” predictor of COVID.

Furthermore, data reveals that some with this tell-tale sign is “17 times more likely” to test positive than someone without it.

Since loss of smell and taste is a symptom shared by both vitamin B12 deficiency and COVID-19, how do we know for sure what we're suffering from?

Experts recommend taking into consideration other associated symptoms of the diseases.

Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause symptoms such as pale yellow tinge to your skin, sore, red tongue, pins and needles, mouth ulcers, disturbed vision, irritability, depression, behavioural changes and declining mental abilities.

On the contrary, COVID-19 brings along respiratory symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, sneezing, headache and more. Other symptoms include fatigues, brain fog and gastrointestinal issues.

Taking a COVID test is the best way to tell whether you have the deadly virus or if it is something else.

You can either resort to a rapid antigen test, that delivers results in no time, or choose an RT PCR test, which takes at least a day to deliver results, but is the most accurate and reliable.

For those of you who are suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency, you can increase your nutrient content by having animal products like beef, pork, ham, poultry, lamb, fish (tuna and haddock), seafood like shellfish and crab, dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt, along with eggs.

You can also add fortified cereals in your daily diet.

COVID-19 may seem like a thing of the past, but it is still very much present among us.

The COVID-19 pandemic is “most certainly not over,” the head of the World Health Organization recently warned.

That said, taking precautionary measures is the best way to protect yourself. Wear your masks, maintain distance and follow proper hand hygiene. Get yourself vaccinated or boosted, if you're eligible.