Vitamin B12 is needed by the body to make red blood cells, according to the NHS.
It’s also used to keep the nervous system healthy, and it helps with the production of DNA.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include headaches, fatigue, and a loss of appetite.
But you could also be at risk of the condition if you have a “tingling” pain in the hands, it’s been revealed.
A short, stabbing pain in the hands could be one of the warning signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency, it’s been revealed.
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The sensation is usually felt just below the ring finger, on the palm, said charity Thyroid Patient Advocacy.
Left untreated, the pain could spread from the hands to other parts of the hand, it warned.
“If you have any unusual undiagnosed symptoms, perhaps you should consider whether you have a vitamin B12 deficiency,” said the charity.
“B12 deficiency sometimes goes undiagnosed until the symptoms become moderate to severe, although this is not necessarily the fault of the medical profession.
“Sharp stabbing, tingling pain in the palm of one or both hands.
“This occurs suddenly and for no apparent reason in a spot directly below the ring finger, approximately where the first palm crease is.
“If B12 deficiency is not treated, a tingling pain may begin to occur along the outside edge of the hand, starting from the wrist. This pain occurs when the wrist is flexed backward.”
You could also be at risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency if you have a persistent eye twitch.
The twitch is usually in just one eye, as opposed to being in both, it revealed.
While it may not hurt or even be unpleasant, it’s usually an annoying sign of the deficiency, the charity added.
A yellowing of the skin or changes to mobility could also be a symptom of the deficiency.
Top up on the vitamin by eating more beef, liver, egg, dairy foods, or salmon.
Most cases of vitamin B12 deficiency can be easily treated with vitamin B12 supplements or diet swaps.
Speak to a doctor if you’re worried that you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Diagnosing the condition early is crucial, as it can lead to heart conditions and temporary infertility on rare occasions.