Low levels of vitamin B12 can trigger THIS burning sensation; study reveals the exact site

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the growth and development of the body. It is what keeps infections, illnesses and associated symptoms at bay and ensures the healthy functionings of our brain and body.

Vitamin B12 is one such important nutrient that helps in the formation of red blood cells and DNA in the body and also plays a significant role in the development of brain and nerve cells. Additionally, it helps enhance energy and boost metabolism.

One thing to note is that our bodies cannot produce Vitamin B12 naturally, rather they depend on natural sources like animal products consisting of seafood, eggs, poultry and some forms of dairy. That said, vitamin B12 deficiency becomes a common occurrence in many.

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Vitamin B12 insufficiency or deficiency is a common problem among adults and children alike. It means that there are inadequate levels of the vitamin B12 in the body. But because its symptoms can overlap with other deficiencies or diseases, unfortunately, it can get overlooked or misdiagnosed.

According to WebMD, while B12 is stored in the liver for up to five years, you can eventually become deficient if your diet doesn't help maintain the levels.

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According to a new research study, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a burning sensation in the upper trunk of the body.

The torso or the trunk is said to be the central part or the core of the body. It stretches from the head to the limbs. The upper trunk or truncus superior therefore is the area between the head and the area above the core, the upper part of the body.

Researchers found a burning sensation in a 28-year-old Cameroonian, who presented with progressive burning sensations on the upper trunk. She had been suffering from the sensation for five years, following which she was eventually diagnosed with a B12 deficiency.

The diagnosis was known as vitamin B12 deficiency-associated neuropathy, which is a rare debilitating disease that affects mostly the elderly, as per the case report.

There are many signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. According to the UKs National Health Services (NHS), here are some tell-tale signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

- A pale yellow tinge to your skin

- A sore and red tongue (glossitis)

- Mouth ulcers

- Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

- Changes in the way that you walk and move around

- Disturbed vision

- Irritability and depression

- Changes in the way you think, feel and behave

- A decline in your mental abilities, such as memory, understanding and judgment (dementia)

You can get most of your vitamin B12 fill from animal food products: beef, pork, ham, poultry, lamb, fish (tuna and haddock), seafood like shellfish and crab, dairy products like eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt.

Although some vegetables and legumes contain Vitamin B12, they do not provide as many nutrients as opposed to non-vegetarian foods.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin B12 is said to be 2.4 mcg for people over 14, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. However, much of it depends on age, lifestyle, and specific situation.

The recommended daily intake (RDI) for pregnant women is 2.6 mcg. For breastfeeding women it is a bit higher with 2.8 mcg, as per the health body.

Since older people are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency, the National Academy of Medicine recommends that adults over the age of 50 to resort to supplements and fortified foods.