Surprising symptoms that could signal a vitamin deficiency
Surprising Symptoms That Could Signal a Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamins are vital for the body — they support brain and cell function, energy metabolism and everyday wellness. When levels run low, that can sometimes show up in unexpected ways. Below are some lesser-known symptoms occasionally linked to vitamin deficiencies. One honest note before we start: deficiencies in these vitamins are relatively uncommon in people eating a balanced diet in the UK, and the symptoms below can have many other causes. This is a guide for awareness, not a diagnostic tool — if something here rings true, the right next step is a GP and a simple blood test, not a supplement. For background on how Kollo's vitamins fit a daily routine, see our complete guide to liquid marine collagen.
A Sore Tongue or Mouth Ulcers — Vitamin B12
Persistent mouth problems such as recurrent ulcers, or a sore, inflamed or unusually smooth tongue, are sometimes associated with low vitamin B12. Because B12 is found mainly in animal foods, vegans and vegetarians are more prone to low levels, which is why a B12 source can be worth considering on a plant-based diet. That said, mouth ulcers have plenty of other causes, so persistent symptoms warrant a GP visit rather than self-diagnosis.
Tingling in the Hands and Feet — Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 helps keep nerves healthy, and a deficiency can be linked to peripheral neuropathy — a tingling or numb sensation in the hands and feet. Low B6 can also leave you feeling lethargic or struggling to concentrate. Here's an important safety point the original version of this article missed: taking too much B6 from high-dose supplements over time can also cause nerve symptoms. More is not better with B6 — which is exactly why a GP blood test, rather than guesswork, is the right way to handle nerve symptoms.
Burning Feet — Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) supports the nervous system and normal energy metabolism. A genuine B5 deficiency is very rare, but historically it has been associated with "burning feet syndrome" — a burning sensation in the feet. Because true deficiency is so unusual, burning or painful feet are far more likely to have another cause, and are worth getting checked properly.
Forgetfulness — Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) helps keep the nerves, brain and muscles working normally, and severe deficiency can affect memory and cognition. If you're noticing memory changes, please don't put it down to a vitamin and move on — memory symptoms always deserve proper medical assessment, because the causes range widely and an accurate diagnosis matters.
Skin Changes — Vitamin C
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, so very low levels can affect skin quality and, in severe deficiency (scurvy), cause issues like easy bruising and broken blood vessels. To be clear and honest, though: fine lines and wrinkles are a normal part of ageing, not a sign of vitamin C deficiency in most people. We won't claim that topping up vitamin C reverses wrinkles — that overstates it. What's accurate is that vitamin C plays a genuine role in the body's own collagen formation.
When to See a GP
| Situation | Our honest guidance |
|---|---|
| Persistent or unexplained symptoms | See a GP — a blood test is the only reliable way to confirm a deficiency |
| Nerve symptoms (tingling, numbness) | Get assessed — and don't self-prescribe high-dose B6, which can worsen them |
| Memory changes | Always warrant proper medical assessment |
| Following a vegan/vegetarian diet | A B12 source is worth discussing with a GP or dietitian |
| Eating a balanced, varied diet | Deficiencies are uncommon; food is the best first source of vitamins |
Where a Daily Supplement Fits
A balanced, varied diet is the best way to get your vitamins — that always comes first. But for those who struggle to hit their intake consistently, or who simply want a convenient daily top-up, a supplement can help cover the gaps. Kollo contains vitamins B1, B5, B6, B12 and C, plus the amino acid l-lysine, alongside 10g of Naticol® marine collagen peptides. Several of these vitamins carry authorised UK health claims, including contributing to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and normal psychological function.
The important distinction: a daily supplement supports normal vitamin intake as part of a healthy lifestyle. It is not a treatment for a diagnosed deficiency — that needs proper medical guidance, often at doses a general supplement wouldn't provide.
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Shop Now →The Bottom Line
Your body does send signals when something is off — but those signals are rarely as simple as a single missing vitamin, and many of the symptoms above overlap with conditions that need proper care. The honest message is the same one a good dietitian would give: eat a balanced, varied diet first, see a GP if symptoms persist, and use supplements to support a healthy lifestyle rather than to self-diagnose or self-treat.
If a convenient daily top-up suits your routine, Kollo combines five vitamins and l-lysine with 10g of marine collagen in a single sachet. Our complete guide to liquid marine collagen has the full detail, and for women weighing up their wider supplement routine in midlife — when nutrient needs can shift — our women's wellness guide for over 40s and our menopause supplements guide are useful companions.
Kollo Health was co-founded by Jenni Falconer - TV presenter, Smooth Radio breakfast host, ten-time London Marathon runner and host of the RunPod podcast. Read her story and why she created Kollo.
