B12 deficiency and rapid shallow brea... - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

32,627 members23,989 posts

B12 deficiency and rapid shallow breathing?

seamail57 profile image
5 Replies

Hi, I suffered from many symptoms of B12 deficiency for the past 12 months, one of which had been breathlessness, but only when walking up a hill or slope. If I pump myself full of methylcobalamin using sub-lingual tablets and a spray, this all but disappears!

Just recently I've noticed when relaxing quietly, such as lying in bed before I go to sleep my breathing is somewhat shallow and rapid. If I take a couple of deep breaths and fill my lungs then it returns to normal for a good few minutes.

Is this a symptom of air hunger or "The Sighs" other B12 sufferers talk about? I've have no other breathing related symptoms (ie cough, congestion etc.)

Written by
seamail57 profile image
seamail57
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
clivealive profile image
clivealiveForum Support

Yes seamail57 I have long had the same "problem" - it's almost like I "forget" to breathe.

I'm not a medically qualified person but I've had Pernicious Anaemia for 45 years but that's said not to worry you into thinking that you have it too as you seem to resolve it by taking B12 supplements.

Try and find out what your Folate level is as this is essential to process the B12 and a deficiency of which has many of the same symptoms as B12 deficiency including "shortness of breath".

I wish you well

seamail57 profile image
seamail57 in reply toclivealive

Thanks for your reply. My folate had been below mid-range for quite a while too. Last blood test it was 23.02 (range 8.83 to 60.8). B12 is 253.

clivealive profile image
clivealiveForum Support in reply toseamail57

You can "bump up" your Folate by eating leafy green vegetables, sprouts, broccoli , asparagus, spinach etc or look out for it being fortified in breakfast cereals or buy some folic acid from your local chemist.

Personally I've taken 1 – Folic Acid 400μg tablet every day as a "maintenance dose" for more years than I can remember and my level was about 60% of "normal" at the last test

seamail57 profile image
seamail57 in reply toclivealive

Yes, I've been taking daily Thorne Research B complex along with my B12 for about a year now too, but still only less than mid-range....

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

shallow and rapid breathing doesn't actually sound like the sighs - which is more like gulping for air

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Increased Shallow Breathing

Hi all! First of all thank you for all the support and assistance, this forum has been a huge help....
Dolansan profile image

Worsening breathing problems due to B12 deficiency?

Hi guys, I've been having a number of symptoms for the past 4-6 months which have increasingly...
DaveT81 profile image

B12 deficiency and headaches

I have been self injecting now for a good 6 to 8 months and previous to that having one injection...
Sunshine1932 profile image

B12 deficiency

Hi I wonder if I am on the correct site. I was diagnosed with b12 deficiency in June and I've...
Alfabeta profile image

B12 deficiency - struggling and confused

Hi, I've never posted on a forum in my life, so here goes. I'm 54 and live in the UK. I developed...
Embra-girl profile image

Moderation team

See all
Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator
Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator
taka profile image
takaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.