Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms shown in our hands and legs - Things to know!!
In our lives, many of us would have got some different kind of sensation in our hands and legs and we would have not taken them seriously. It is noteworthy that the body has got a way of signalling that something is wrong.
Important of vitamin B12:
It is worth noting that vitamin B12 would help in normal brain functions and nervous system etc. In addition, vitamin b12 would help in the formation of RBCs and help us to avoid anaemia. It also plays an important role in creating and regulating DNA etc.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can be due to several reasons. They are dietary based, medication, mal-absorption, ageing etc. Those persons above the age of 50 are at risk of getting vitamin B12 deficiency. Those who are vegetarians or vegans and those with GI disorders are more at risk of getting this deficiency.
There are few signs of vitamin B12 deficiency that are observed in our hands and legs. These are
Feeling numb:
Sometimes, we would feel a feeling of numbness in our hands and legs and this could be due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Point to be noted is that due to the lack of vitamin B12 the nerve cells fail to transmit signals. Please be careful.
Tingling sensation:
Also called as pins and needles kind of sensation, tingling sensations is a common sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. It is known that myelin sheath is present surrounding the nerves and vitamin B12 is needed for maintaining myelin sheath.
Muscle weakness:
Motor nerves would get affected due to the deficiency of vitamin B12. This would result in muscle weakness in our hands and legs. Gripping objects would become difficult. If left untreated, it can also lead to mobility issues and balance issues etc.
Unusually cold hands and legs:
If your hands and legs become unusually cold, then it can be due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is needed for RBCs production and oxygen transportation throughout the body. Lack of this vitamin would lead to anaemia or reduced flow of blood. This would make our hands and legs become cold.
Coordination issue:
It is worth mentioning that lack of this vitamin would lead to coordination issues in us. This would then lead to issues i in our walking or climbing stairs etc. So, please take care.
Skin changes in hands and legs:
Our hands and legs would turn pale or yellow coloured and this can be an important sig of vitamin B12 deficiency. Lack of healthy red blood cells plus breakdown of haemoglobin producing bilirubin would give yellowish coloured to the skin in hands and legs.
