Vitamin B12 deficiency supports many important processes in the body. The main one is to make red blood cells, which helps maintain a healthy nervous system and normal psychological function.
A case report entitledVery Severe Vitamin B12 Deficiency – Case Presentation and Literature Review“, provides chilling insight into the impact of low B12.
According to a case report, an 83-year-old man presented with “paresthesia” in his fingers.
Paresthesia refers to a burning or tingling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, but can also occur in other parts of the body.
This sensation, which occurs without warning, is usually painless and is described as tingling or numbness, crawling of the skin, or itching.
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“We referred a patient with severe vitamin B12 deficiency,” the case study authors concluded.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can get worse if the condition is not treated.
“While many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some of the problems caused by the condition are irreversible if left untreated,” warned the NHS.
“The longer the condition goes untreated, the greater the chance of permanent damage.”
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Food sources of B12
According to Holland and Barrett, vegans and vegetarians are at risk of low intakes of vitamin B12 because it is naturally found in animal products such as meat and dairy products.
If you are vegetarian or vegan, or looking for alternatives to meat and dairy, there are other foods that contain vitamin B12.
According to the NHS, these include yeast extracts (including marmite), as well as fortified breakfast cereals and soy products.
“People who have difficulty getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet, such as vegans, may need vitamin B12 tablets for the rest of their lives.”
