B12 is involved in the production of red blood cells and in maintaining the health of the nervous system.
Uncomfortable, twitching muscles around the eyes can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Twitching around the eye is scientifically called eye blepharospasm.
It can occur either around the eye or in the eye.
Similarly, pins and needles and burning sensations at the extremities can also be signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
That is because these areas are more sensitive to the touch.
B12 is involved in the production of red blood cells and in maintaining the health of the nervous system.
A prolonged lack of the vitamin can lead to a breakdown in the sheath that surrounds the nerves, which is what leads to twitches and strange sensations.
Other signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- weight loss,
- pale skin,
- fatigue,
- and a sore red tongue.
A sore tongue is known as ‘glossitis’ and appears as an inflammation of the tongue’s surface, which may be accompanied by mouth ulcers.
However, it is relatively uncommon that eye twitching is caused by vitamin D deficiency.
Levels of vitamin B12 can be particularly low in vegetarians and vegans as plants do not contain sufficient levels of the nutrient.
Vegetarians who eat dairy products, however, should obtain sufficient levels that way.
Older people are at greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency as with age the body becomes less able to absorb it.
Treating vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in many foods including meat, fish, eggs and dairy.
Eating some or all of these foods will usually provide a sufficient quantity of the vitamin.
The usual alternative is to take vitamin B12 supplements.
For those who cannot absorb the supplements, it is possible to get a B12 injection.
Injections are usually given six times over 14 days.
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