[ad_1]
Up to 20 percent of people are deficient in vitamin B12. People at risk of suffering from a deficiency include strict vegetarians or vegans, as plant foods do not naturally contain B12; adults over 50, because stomach acid, a key component in vitamin B12 absorption, decreases with age; people with gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease (gluten intolerance) and Crohn’s disease (a chronic inflammatory bowel disease); and those who have had weight loss surgery, which removes the part of the stomach that breaks down vitamin B12. Certain antacid and diabetes medications can also put you at risk. When the levels are low, a number of strange and even uncomfortable sensations can occur, especially in the hands, legs or feet.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency usually develop gradually and can be severe.
These can include general symptoms, including fatigue and lethargy, as well as symptoms specific to deficiency, such as a yellow tinge to the skin and a sore tongue.
If left untreated, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency tend to worsen and irreversible problems involving the nerves and the brain can develop.
Your risk of suffering from a number of serious complications, including heart failure, may also increase.
If you experience tingling, numbness, or other strange sensations in your hands, legs, or feet, it could be a sign that your levels are dangerously low with the right treatment urgently needed.
READ MORE: High blood pressure: 7 simple tips to keep blood pressure “under control” – pharmacist
“Vitamin B12 is needed to help neurons function,” said Dr. Sarah Baker, internist at the CHI Memorial Chattanooga Internal Medicine Group.
“When B12 levels are too low, neurons cannot function effectively, resulting in symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.”
This numbness or tingling is called paresthesia and can become permanent if left untreated.
Nerve damage caused by not having enough vitamin can also affect balance and the ability to walk.
This too can become permanent if left untreated, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if the problem arises.
Paresthesia describes abnormal burning or tingling sensations that are usually felt in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, but can also occur in other parts of the body.
The sensation is usually painless and can be described as tingling, numbness, crawling of the skin, or itching.
Temporary paresthesia is common and often described as “pins and needles”,
The sensations of paresthesia can be described as tingling, numbness, skin crawling or itching.
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the cause of the disease.
If the vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by pernicious anemia, a series of injections is usually recommended.
There are two types of vitamin B12 injections:
Hydroxocobalamin
Cyanocobalamin
“If your vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a lack of vitamin in your diet, you may be prescribed vitamin B12 tablets to take every day between meals,” says the NHS.
[ad_2]
Source link
