Overlooked foot symptom could be warning sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency
An often overlooked foot symptom could be a hidden warning sign of a Vitamin B12 deficiency. If you're feeling tingling or 'pins and needles' in your feet, don't ignore it.
As many people across Ireland set new health goals for 2025, it's important to pay attention to the subtle signs your body may be giving you. While we often focus on visible symptoms like fatigue or weakness, one lesser-known signal could be hiding in plain sight - a tingling 'pins and needles' sensation in your feet.
This seemingly minor symptom could actually be a red flag for a Vitamin B12 deficiency, which if left untreated, could lead to more serious health issues.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in producing red blood cells, maintaining healthy nerve function and supporting overall immunity. It's naturally found in animal products such as eggs, beef, chicken and cheese.
For most people, Vitamin B12 is absorbed through the digestive system, but in cases of deficiency, symptoms can develop gradually, sometimes showing up in ways that are easy to overlook.
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One of the more surprising signs of a Vitamin B12 deficiency is a tingling, numbness or 'pins and needles' sensation in the feet. This symptom can often be dismissed as a temporary discomfort or an issue caused by sitting in one position for too long. However, experts warn that persistent or unexplained tingling sensations may indicate a more serious issue.
A specialist from the University of Nottingham highlighted the importance of this symptom, explaining that "lack of Vitamin B12 can affect wound healing in a number of ways", particularly concerning feet health. Without enough of this crucial vitamin, nerve health can deteriorate, leading to sensations of tingling or even pain.
The body's ability to absorb Vitamin B12 can be hampered if a key protein, called intrinsic factor (IF), is not produced adequately by the stomach. This could be due to an autoimmune condition or as a result of long-term medication use, such as heartburn treatments that reduce stomach acid. A lack of stomach acid disrupts the digestion and absorption of Vitamin B12, leading to potential deficiencies.
Early intervention is key so if you're experiencing any unusual symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. In many cases, doctors may recommend Vitamin B12 supplements or injections to restore optimal levels of the vitamin.
It's crucial to not ignore any warning signs, especially since B12 deficiency can also be linked to conditions like memory loss, fatigue, and digestive issues.
The HSE said: "Vitamin B12 or B9 (folate) deficiency anaemia happens when you have a shortage of either of these vitamins. The body responds by producing abnormally large red blood cells that do not function properly. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body using a substance called haemoglobin.
"Vitamin B12 and folate perform many important functions in the body. This includes keeping the nervous system healthy. A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause a wide range of problems, such as:
- extreme tiredness
- a lack of energy
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- a sore and red tongue
- mouth ulcers
- muscle weakness
- disturbed vision
- psychological problems, including depression and confusion
- problems with memory, understanding and judgement
"A deficiency is more common in older people. It affects around 1 in 10 people age 75 or over, and 1 in 20 people age 65 to 74.
"Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency can lead to complications. But this is not common. Complications include:
- problems with the nervous system
- temporary infertility
- heart conditions
- pregnancy complications and birth defects
- risk of developing heart failure
"Complications are more likely if you have a deficiency in the vitamin for some time. Some will improve with the right treatment. Others can be permanent, such as problems with the nervous system."
If you're concerned about a Vitamin B12 deficiency, your GP can provide a blood test to check your levels and recommend the appropriate treatment.
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