Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms: Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a critical water-soluble vitamin that serves many vital functions in the body. It’s needed for making red blood cells, supporting nerve health, and synthesizing DNA. Since our bodies can’t produce Vitamin B12, we must get it from our diet or supplements. A primary function of Vitamin B12 is red blood cell production. These cells carry oxygen throughout our body, and not having enough Vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anaemia, causing tiredness, weakness, and breathlessness. Apart from these classic signs, a lack of vitamin B12 can show up in many different ways throughout the body. While symptoms like tiredness, weakness, and pale skin are common, some unusual signs appear specifically in the legs and hands, particularly at night. These odd symptoms can be red flags that suggest a B12 deficiency needing attention. Scroll down to learn more about the unusual signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency in the legs and hands at night.
7 Unusual Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency In Legs and Hands At Night
Are you suffering from Vitamin B12 deficiency? Here are the top 7 signs and symptoms that can show up in your feet and fingers at night:
Unexplained Pain And Discomfort
An unusual pain especially in the legs and hands can be an indicator that your body is lacking Vitamin B12. This feeling can be more noticeable at night when you’re resting.
Cold Feet and Hands
When your hands and legs are unusually cold and don’t feel right, make sure to get your Vitamin B12 levels checked. People with B12 deficiency might find their feet feeling unusually cold, even in warm conditions. This mainly happens due to a lack of blood flow and severe nerve damage due to low B12 levels.
Tingling Feet and Hands
One of the early warning signs of B12 deficiency that can show up in your body is a tinglish feeling that can show up in your legs and hands. Yes, you read that right! At night if you notice tingling or numbness in the feet, often described as pins and needles, make sure to get your Vitamin B12 levels checked.
Unexplained Numbness In Hands and Legs
Similar to the tingling in the feet, numb fingers might point to a B12 shortage. This numbness usually leads to a sensation and hampers fine motor control, which can often become worse during the night time.
Muscle Weakness And Cramps
When you notice an unexplained loss of strength in your legs and hands, especially during the nighttime, make sure to take this as a sign that your body is dealing with something serious. An unusual sign of B12 deficiency is weak finger muscles, especially noticeable during tasks requiring fine motor skills. One who is suffering from this condition can find activities like gripping, writing, or handling small objects extremely difficult to do.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) makes you want to move your legs and is often linked to uncomfortable sensations. These symptoms might get worse at night, leading to sleep issues. B12 deficiency has been connected to a higher risk of RLS, showing the need for enough B12 for nerve health.
Muscle Cramps And Spasms
Muscle cramps and spasms in the hands and legs at nighttime is a sign of B12 deficiency in the body. When there is a lack of Vitamin B12 in the body, it can lead to involuntary contractions causing pain and discomfort.
Do not take the above signs and symptoms lightly, and make sure to get yourself checked as and when any of these show up. Remember that prompt medical intervention can help fight health problems in a better way.