What is NOT a sign or symptom of B12 deficiency?

In the context of vitamin B12 deficiency, many classic signs and symptoms can help identify this nutritional deficiency. Decreased vibratory sense, glossitis and angular cheilitis, and macrocytic anemia are well-documented manifestations of B12 deficiency.

Decreased vibratory sense occurs due to damage to the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, which is a common neurological consequence of B12 deficiency. Glossitis and angular cheilitis are oral manifestations characterized by inflammation of the tongue and the corners of the mouth, often seen in individuals with nutritional deficiencies. Macrocytic anemia, characterized by larger than normal red blood cells, occurs because Vitamin B12 is crucial for DNA synthesis in red blood cell formation.

On the other hand, painful joints are not specifically associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Although joint pain can arise from various conditions, such as arthritis or other inflammatory processes, it is not a direct or characteristic symptom of B12 deficiency. Therefore, identifying painful joints as not typically linked to this specific deficiency makes it the correct choice in the context of the question.