Vitamin deficiency anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower than usual amounts of vitamin B-12 and folate. This can happen if you don't eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins. Without these nutrients, the body produces red blood cells that are too large and don't work properly. This reduces their ability to carry oxygen. Symptoms - Vitamin deficiency anemia usually develops slowly over several months to years. Signs and symptoms may be subtle at first but usually increase as the deficiency worsens. These may include: • Fatigue • Shortness of breath • Dizziness • Pale or yellowish skin • Irregular heartbeats • Weight loss • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet • Muscle weakness • Personality changes • Unsteady movements • Mental confusion or forgetfulness