Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the body
08:04, 04 Feb 2026Updated 10:45, 04 Feb 2026
One sign can show in your feet(Image: Fiordaliso via Getty Images)
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, particularly in producing red blood cells. But many of us fail to consume adequate amounts of this vital nutrient, which can trigger multiple warning signs.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 may manifest through several indicators, including one often-overlooked symptom affecting your feet. B12 is typically sourced from foods like eggs, beef, chicken, and cheese, then reprocessed via the digestive tract. Beyond generating fresh red blood cells, vitamin B12 works alongside folate and helps convert food into energy.
Experts have emphasised that insufficient vitamin B12 levels can also impair wound recovery through various mechanisms. A crucial protein called intrinsic factor (IF) manufactured in the stomach combines with vitamin B12 to avoid its depletion during digestion.
Nevertheless, without adequate IF, which may not be generated sufficiently if the immune system attacks stomach cells, vitamin B12 cannot be properly absorbed. Scientists at the University of Nottingham noted that “lack of vitamin B can affect wound healing in a number of ways”, especially regarding foot health.
Should tingling feelings in the feet develop, it’s advisable to consult a GP. Based on the severity, medics might recommend high-strength vitamin B12 supplements, or potentially weekly injections, to tackle the deficiency.
It’s vital to address any vitamin B12 shortfall, as ignoring it could result in severe neurological complications and blood-related disorders. Harvard Medical School warns: “Vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time.”
They also highlighted that insufficient vitamin B12 “might also occur following weight-loss surgery too.” Excessive use of heartburn treatments can result in decreased stomach acid levels, which are vital for vitamin B12 absorption, potentially causing a shortage.
Vitamin B12 supplements can be bought online, from chemists, or obtained through a doctor’s prescription.