Crystal Nelson
How can I recognize a vitamin B12 deficiency? Which foods help immediately? And what else can I do?
No, healthy doesn’t have to be boring. We can feast! There are valuable vitamin B12 in camembert – and that protects us from unpleasant tingling.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Ants dance on their feet
If your fingers or toes keep feeling like they’re going to sleep, it’s more than just annoying. Because behind the tingling can be a vitamin B12 deficiency, which is often recognized late and can have serious consequences. At first, those affected often have the feeling that they are somehow standing next to themselves. You feel tired, and nervous and have trouble concentrating.
Tingling: When the lines are exposed
The reason for the symptoms is nerves that get out of sync with a vitamin B12 deficiency. Similar to electrical cables, they have an insulating sheath. The body needs vitamin B12 for this so-called myelin layer. If there is too little of it, this protective layer and the nerve itself can be damaged.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: A simple test that is worthwhile
We can prevent permanent nerve damage and take countermeasures early on. Just talk to the doctor about the symptoms and have them tested. If there is clinical suspicion, the health insurance company will cover the costs of the test for a vitamin B12 deficiency. If you pay yourself, it costs 20 to 30 euros.
Cheers to the three-minute egg
Vitamin B12 is found in animal products. Because it is sensitive to light and heat, soft-boiled eggs and cheeses made from raw milk (e.g. Camembert, Emmental) contain more vitamin B12 than heat-treated varieties. The biggest suppliers, however, are offal, especially beef, and calf liver.
We fill up reserves again
From the age of 60, the probability of a B12 deficiency increases. A common reason is the reduced production of stomach acid, which is why the food can no longer be broken down so well. If the doctor finds an extreme deficiency, he treats it with injections, otherwise, preparations from the pharmacy are sufficient.
Keep the helpers happy
Healthy intestinal flora is also fundamental for an adequate B12 supply. The “good” bacteria are happy about roughage: enjoy muesli and fresh fruit in the morning, and plenty of vegetables and cabbage for lunch and dinner.
