Vitamin B12 performs many important roles in the body, such as producing red blood cells and maintaining normal nervous system function. Its impact is invisible to the eye but a deficiency isn’t. Low B12 can deal a hammer blow to the body.
The most acute symptoms are neurological; affecting the brain as well as the nerves found throughout the human body.
According to Oregon State University, the neurologic symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include numbness and tingling of the hands and, more commonly, the feet.
Others include:
- Difficulty walking
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Dementia with or without mood changes.
“Although the progression of neurologic complications is generally gradual, such symptoms may not be reversed with treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, especially if they have been present for a long time,” warns Oregon State University.
READ MORE: Cancer warning: Common vitamin deficiency in UK associated with a ‘fivefold’ greater risk
How to treat B12 deficiency
The treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency depends on what’s causing the condition.
Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.
There are two types of vitamin B12 injections:
- Hydroxocobalamin
- Cyanocobalamin.
If your vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a lack of the vitamin in your diet, you may be prescribed vitamin B12 tablets to take every day between meals.
