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Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms: How to spot the signs in your feet

Vitamin B12 is vital to maintain healthy energy levels and is one of the most important vitamins in maintaining the nervous system. Consistently low levels of B12 can cause "damage" to parts of the nervous system, warns the NHS, even leading to irreversible damage. 

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.

A B12 deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which develops when nerves in the body's extremities such as the hands, feet and arms are damaged, reports MyLondon.

According to the NHS, the main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your feet include:

"These symptoms are usually constant, but may come and go," explains the health body. It's important to see your GP if you're experiencing any of the above symptoms.

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.

However, 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.

B12 is naturally found in:

Plant-based sources of vitamin B12 include yeast extract (such as Marmite) fortified plant milks and fortified breakfast cereals.

How to treat at B12 Deficiency

"If you’re following a plant-based diet, taking a vitamin B12 supplement can help prevent a deficiency," says Holland and Barrett. "Breast-feeding mothers could also consider a supplement, as they need an extra 0.5mcg a day."

As it explains, older people, or those taking medication to reduce production of stomach acid, may need a B12 supplement to boost absorption. Most cases of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins, the NHS says.

Vitamin B12 supplements are usually given by injection at first. Then, depending on whether your B12 deficiency is related to your diet, you'll either require B12 tablets between meals or regular injections.

Dehydration may be as bad 'as smoking' for veins - how much water you need to avoid stroke

Strokes are rarely preceded by obvious warning signs, making the chances of survival relatively slim. Taking precautionary steps against stroke is therefore paramount for preventing complications. Fortunately, researchers have identified several preventable risk factors for the condition. Their findings indicate that a great number of patients show up to the hospital dehydrated.

According to Harvard Health, the warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion or urine that's dark in colour.

The minimum amount of water a person needs to avoid these signs is around four to six cups of water each day, according to the health body.

Research conducted by Loma Linda University, however, has previously established that drinking at least five glasses of water is necessary for reducing the risk of stroke by 53 percent.

Not only may this protect against the condition, but it may also improve a person's outcome in the event of a stroke.

In 2015, research on patients admitted to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital provided interesting findings about the cardiovascular risks of dehydration.

The research showed that dehydrated patients were nearly four times more likely to suffer worse outcomes, compared to adequately hydrated patients.

It was noted that "dehydration appears to be common in hospitalised stroke patients and is associated with severe stroke and poor outcomes at hospital discharge".

The report added: "We suggest that focusing on interventions to reduce the frequency and duration of dehydration have the potential to improve patient outcomes after stroke."

In 2016, research by the University of Arkansas made another poignant discovery about the effects of dehydration on cardiovascular health.

The findings suggested that hydration levels - even mild dehydration in healthy, young males - may play a role in a person's cardiovascular risk.

The effects of hydrations levels were most apparent in the endothelial functions of the blood vessels.

Endothelial function describes the dilation and constriction of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. 

Winter Squash: A Superfood Or Not? Nutrition Professionals Weigh In, With Serving Tips And Health Risks

Perspective from Iyanuoluwa Oyetunji

Master of Science in Medicine, specialization in Human Nutrition · 2 years of experience · South Africa

Possible Side Effects

Quantity Recommendation

Why The Nutrition Professionals Love Winter Melon, Nutritional Benefits And Serving Size Guidelines

Benefits by Iyanuoluwa Oyetunji

Master of Science in Medicine, specialization in Human Nutrition · 2 years of experience · South Africa

• Winter melon keeps the body hydrated and aid digestion, as it is about 96% water and rich in fiber.
• Winter melon is rich in potassium which is a vasodilator, and vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidants. The fruit can therefore maintain cardiovascular health and boost immunity.

This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.