Hello Doctor,
I’ve had low Vitamin D and B12/Folate levels in my blood tests twice—once when I was 18 (in late April) and again last year at 20 (in September). I have fair skin and was eating some Vitamin D-rich foods like eggs and red meat during those times, so I’m not sure why my levels were low. I live in the UK, where sunlight can be limited, but could there be another reason for this deficiency? More importantly, could these deficiencies have had any long-term effects on my body, such as impacting my height or overall physical development?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, tingling, balance issues, and mood changes. Low Vitamin D affects bone and muscle health. Since you’ve had deficiencies twice, it may be due to diet, absorption issues, or limited sun exposure in the UK. Significant height impact is unlikely, but long-term low levels can weaken bones. Both can be managed with supplements, and if deficiencies persist, further testing is recommended.
Thanks
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