Woman, 75, declines from B12 deficiency after feeling foot ‘sensation’

Vitamin B12 shores up numerous processes in the body, such as making red blood cells and aiding a healthy nervous system. When the body does not get enough B12, these same processes start to malfunction, which can have destructive consequences. A case study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine charts the rapid descent of a 75-year-old woman.A 75-year-old woman with a past medical history of hypothyroidism presented with weakness and the “sensation of large folds of skin’ on the bottom of her feet.The sensation on her feet is telling because B12 deficiency peripheral neuropathy, also known as nerve damage to the extremities.This can result in tingling or other sensory abnormalities.Her past medical history is relevant here because patients with both hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency have similar symptoms.READ MORE: ‘Take your vitamins!’ Man, 70, battles onslaught of B12 deficiency symptoms over 3 months B12 deficiency: Woman rapidly declines from B12 deficiency after sensation of skin ‘folds’ on feet (Image: Getty Images)Physical exam findings included pale eyes, abdominal tenderness, and darkening of the skin on the back of the fingertips and soles, which were also new since the onset of weakness.The woman also had evidence of haemolysis, which describes the rupture or destruction of red blood cells.B12 deficiency can bring about the destruction of red blood cells.With the presumption of B12 deficiency, and given the initial severity of the deficiency, the patient was treated with a regiment of B12 injections.DON’T MISSBob Mortimer admits he is ‘not very well’ [INSIGHT]Blood clots: Four drinks to avoid to reduce your risk [TIPS]Man, 63, hit with cancer after getting hyperhidrosis [ADVICE] B12 deficiency: B12 deficiency can also cause dementia-like symptoms, such as confusion (Image: Getty Images) B12 deficiency treatment: Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets (Image: Getty Images)”These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test,” explains the health body.It’s also important for vitamin B12 deficiency to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.”Although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated,” warns the NHS.How to top up B12Good sources of vitamin B12 include:MeatSalmon and codMilk and other dairy productsEggs.Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.