VITAMIN B12 plays a pivotal role in the body so becoming deficient in it can prove ruinous. In fact, consistently low levels can cause "damage" to your nervous system and the signs can show up on your feet.
By ADAM CHAPMAN
Vitamin B12 contributes to the body in numerous ways but one of the most important is maintaining the nervous system. The nervous system has two main parts: the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which is made up of nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to all parts of the body. Consistently low levels of B12 can cause "damage" to parts of the nervous system, warns the NHS.
This is known as peripheral neuropathy, which develops when nerves in the body's extremities, such as the hands, feet and arms, are damaged.
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your feet include:
Numbness
Tingling
Muscle weakness.
"These symptoms are usually constant, but may come and go," explains the health body.
It's important to see your doctor if you're experiencing any of the above symptoms because they can be "irreversible", it warns.
B12 deficiency: Numbness or tingling in the feet can signal damage
What causes B12 deficiency?
Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK.
Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition whereby your immune system attacks the cells in your stomach that produce the intrinsic factor, which means your body is unable to absorb vitamin B12.
Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet.
The richest sources of B12 are animal-based so vegetarians and vegans are at a greater risk of B12 deficiency.
Credit: Daily Express
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