Neurologist reveals the one deficiency most common in young professionals (and they don’t even know about it)
Have you ever experienced brain fog, unusual tiredness, or a tingling sensation in your hands and feet? Well, turns out you might be deficient in one key vitamin, that even you are not aware of. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a top neurologist from Hyderabad, recently took to his X handle to talk more about this deficiency, and that is Vitamin B12. Surprisingly, this deficiency is most common in young IT professionals, and most are not even aware of it.Let’s see what Dr Kumar said“If there is one pattern I see repeatedly in my clinic, especially among young IT professionals, it is Vitamin B12 deficiency.Most don’t smoke, don’t drink heavily, eat “okay,” and even get annual health checks…
Yet they walk in with neurological symptoms they can’t explain.Here is what I commonly hear:“My feet feel numb/tingly.”“I get sudden electric-shock sensations.”“I can’t focus like before.”“I feel tired all the time.”“I forget small things.”“My legs feel weak while climbing stairs.”
And the surprising culprit?Low Vitamin B12; often severely low.Why is B12 deficiency so common today?1. High tea/coffee intake (interferes with absorption)2. Sedentary “desk lifestyle”3. Skipping meals4. Vegetarian diet without supplementation5. Long-term use of metformin or acid-reducing medicines (PPIs)6. Irregular sleep and stress affecting gut healthWhy neurologists worry about B12?Vitamin B12 is essential for:1. Nerve myelin (the insulation of your nerves)2. Brain function3. Mood regulation4. Energy production5. Healthy red blood cellsUntreated deficiency can lead to permanent nerve damage.The good news?A simple blood test + timely supplementation results in complete recovery in most cases.My advice to all young professionals:Get your Vitamin B12 levels checked once a yearDo not ignore tingling, numbness, brain fog, or unexplained fatigueSupplement if levels are lowProtect your nerves early; you will thank yourself laterYour brain and nerves are your biggest assets.Take care of them before symptoms start speaking louder than you do.”Let’s examine the symptoms suggested by Dr Kumar in detail…The body develops Vitamin B12 deficiency when it fails to obtain sufficient amounts of this essential nutrient, which supports red blood cell creation and nerve system maintenance. The body shows two primary symptoms of B12 deficiency through persistent fatigue and weakness, because it reduces red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen. The skin develops pale or yellowish discoloration, because the body produces insufficient blood cells.Nerve and brain warning signsThe body develops nerve damage when B12 levels become insufficient which causes hands and feet to experience tingling sensations, and numbness. The body develops balance problems, dizziness and walking difficulties when nerves become weak. The brain depends on B12 to produce essential chemicals, which results in depression, irritability and foggy thinking.
Mouth and digestion issuesThe oral symptom glossitis appears as a sore red smooth tongue, which sometimes causes mouth ulcers and burning sensations. The body experiences digestive problems which include nausea, constipation, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss. The body experiences heart palpitations and shortness of breath when anemia causes strain on the heart.Why not ignore itThe failure to treat B12 deficiency will result in permanent damage to the body. B12 levels that remain untreated, will cause permanent nerve damage, memory loss and walking disabilities in the body. The body produces homocysteine which increases heart disease risk and anemia worsens with time. Most symptoms from B12 deficiency can be reversed through dietary changes and supplements but delayed treatment results in permanent brain and nerve damage.People who follow a vegan diet and older adults and individuals with gut problems, need to get tested right away when they show any symptoms because they face a higher risk.
