Tingling in Hands and Feet: In today's fast-paced life and changing dietary habits, Vitamin B12 deficiency has emerged as a serious health problem, which people often overlook, mistaking it for general fatigue. Have you ever felt colder than others, along with a pins-and-needles sensation in your hands and feet? Or do your limbs go numb without any particular reason?

If yes, this could be a serious warning from your nervous system. Vitamin B12, also known as 'cobalamin', is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the smooth functioning of the nervous system. When there is a deficiency, the protective layer of the nerves, 'myelin', starts to get damaged, leading to a condition called 'peripheral neuropathy'.

This vitamin is mainly found in animal products, so the risk of deficiency is significantly higher in the vegetarian population. If left untreated, it can lead to mental confusion, memory loss, and permanent nerve damage.

The Scientific Reason for Tingling and Numbness in Nerves

The earliest and most prominent symptom of Vitamin B12 deficiency is 'paresthesia', which we commonly refer to as a pins-and-needles sensation or tingling. In reality, B12 deficiency affects the ability of nerves to transmit signals. This creates a kind of 'short circuit' in the nerves, causing a sensation like ants crawling or a mild electric shock in the hands and feet. Along with this, muscle weakness and difficulty maintaining balance may also be experienced.

Anemia and Fatigue

Vitamin B12 acts as a raw material for the production of healthy red blood cells. Its deficiency causes the cells to become abnormally large and unable to function properly, a condition called 'megaloblastic anemia'. This prevents sufficient oxygen from reaching the body's organs, causing the person to feel constantly tired, short of breath, and experience paleness of the skin.

Make these dietary changes:

Since vitamin B12 is naturally found only in animal sources, meeting the requirement can be challenging for vegetarians. Include milk, cheese, yogurt, and fortified cereals in your diet. For non-vegetarians, eggs, fish, and chicken are excellent sources. If the deficiency is severe, taking vitamin B12 supplements under a doctor's supervision can be a good option.

Timely testing is crucial:

Dismissing tingling in the hands and feet as mere "nerve weakness" can be dangerous. A simple blood test (Serum Vitamin B12 Test) can confirm the deficiency. At an early stage, it can be easily treated with diet and supplements, but delaying treatment can cause permanent nerve damage. Adopt an active lifestyle and pay attention to your nutrition.

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