Vitamin B12 deficiency: Your walking style can signal irreversible vitamin B12 deficiency

As much importance as we place on preventing chronic health conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and fatty liver disease, it is as important to take proper care against the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is responsible for our brain and nerve health. It is also a key nutrient in building DNA and red blood cells in our body. These then help maintain one's overall health. On the contrary, low levels of vitamin B12 can be dangerous and may impact day to day functions.

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Vitamin B12 is said to be a key nutrient that helps in regulating the nervous system, which is why lack or insufficiency of this vital nutrient can lead to several neurological symptoms.

The UK National Health Services (NHS) says most cases of vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated easily. However, if left unhealed, the problem can develop and lead to neurological disorders.

"If neurological problems do develop, they may be irreversible," the health body warns.

The NHS notes that vitamin B12 deficiency can cause “loss of physical coordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking”.

The Mayo Clinic describes the walking style saying a person with vitamin B12 deficiency can walk unsteadily, or with their feet set wide apart.

Similarly, Johns Hopkins Medicine refers to the walking as an “unsteady, staggering” gait - an “ataxic gait” because walking is uncoordinated.

Apart from ataxia or uncoordinated or unsteady walking, other neurological symptoms may also occur due to vitamin B12 deficiency.

According to Harvard Health, “Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms may include strange sensations, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet or legs, a swollen, inflamed tongue, difficulty thinking and reasoning, weakness, fatigue anaemia or difficulty walking including staggering and balance problems.”

When it comes to vitamin B12 deficiency, getting immediate treatment can prevent long term, irreversible symptoms.

First and foremost, one must get a blood test that can help with the diagnosis of the condition. Once you get a confirmation, only then must you proceed with the treatment.

Harvard health suggests: "A serious vitamin B12 deficiency can be corrected two ways: weekly shots of vitamin B12 or daily high-dose B12 pills.

“A mild B12 deficiency can be corrected with a standard multivitamin."

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In case of vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, your doctor may recommend getting a B12 test.

According to the UK National Health Services (NHS), different types of blood tests can be carried out to help identify people with a possible vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

The test looks for:

- whether you have a lower level of haemoglobin (a substance that transports oxygen) than normal

- whether your red blood cells are larger than normal

- the level of vitamin B12 in your blood

- the level of folate in your blood

“In many people, a vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented," says Harvard health.

According to the health body, in case of strict vegetarians or vegans, one can eat breads, cereals or other grains that have been fortified with vitamin B12 or take a daily supplement.

“A standard multivitamin delivers six micrograms, more than enough to cover the average body’s daily need," the health body adds.

“If you are over age 50, the Institute of Medicine recommends that you get extra B12 from a supplement, since you may not be able to absorb enough of the vitamin through foods."

“A standard multivitamin should do the trick.”

Vitamin B12 is not produced naturally in the body, which is why we must eat foods that are rich in nutrients. Some of the best sources of vitamin B12 therefore are:

- Milk

- Eggs

- Yogurt

- Fatty fishes

- Red meat

- Clams

- Fortified cereal