Experts are drawing attention to an often-missed warning sign of vitamin B12 deficiency: changes in the toes. Burning, numbness, tingling or unusual temperature sensations in the feet can point to the condition, which may also leave people feeling persistently exhausted.
According to the report, the deficiency affects a significant number of people, including about one in 10 women, while older adults in Britain are said to be especially affected. The focus on toe symptoms matters because nerve-related changes in the feet may appear before some people realise a vitamin problem is behind their tiredness.
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in keeping nerves and blood cells healthy. When levels are too low, symptoms can range from ongoing fatigue to sensory changes such as pins and needles or reduced feeling in the toes. Because these symptoms can seem vague or easy to dismiss, the deficiency may go unnoticed for some time.
Health experts say that recognising early signs of B12 deficiency is important, particularly for women reporting constant tiredness and for older people who notice unusual sensations in their feet. Toe numbness, burning or other temperature changes may not seem like a vitamin issue at first, but they can be an early clue that the body is lacking enough B12.
