Two key signs appearing on your skin could indicate a lack of vitamin B12
Some vitamin B12 deficiency signs appear on the skin(Image: boonchai wedmakawand via Getty Images)
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. The nutrient not only supports the health of your body’s blood and nerve cells, but also helps prevent anaemia, a condition that can make people feel weak and exhausted.
Typical symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, headaches, and mouth ulcers. And there are two lesser-known warning signs appearing on your skin could also signal insufficient levels of this nutrient. The NHS website says that some people with anaemia resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency experience paraesthesia, or as it’s more commonly known, pins and needles.
This sensation, described as “pricking, tingling or numbness on the skin”, is frequently felt in the hands, arms, legs or feet. This happens because as B12 levels drop, the body produces less myelin, a fatty substance that protects and covers the nerves.
Another skin indicator that could suggest your body requires more B12 is a “pale yellow tinge” to your skin. Studies connect this effect to the impact vitamin B12 deficiency has on your body’s red blood cell production.
Some people develop vitamin B12 deficiency due to insufficient intake of the vitamin through their diet, reports Surrey Live. A diet containing meat, fish, and dairy products normally provides adequate vitamin B12, but those who don’t regularly eat these foods can become deficient.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with vitamin B12 injections.
