Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, yeast extract (such as Marmite) and fortified foods, according to the NHS.
But it is possible to develop a deficiency, especially if your diet does not include animal products. So strict vegetarians and vegans may be at higher risk, experts said.
A deficiency of Vitamin 12 is also linked to a fall in the levels of stomach acids that normally help to release the nutrient from proteins in foods. This lack of acidity happens as people get older.
Research has found that more than 30 per cent of women and men over the age of 60 suffer from little to no acid secretion in the stomach. The problem also affects 40 per cent of post-menopausal women.
Knowing exactly when your Vitamin B12 levels are too low is not always easy but there is one little-known sign around the eyes to look out for.
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Medical Daily reports: “Eye twitching and eyelid spasms are signs that could help pinpoint vitamin B12 deficiency. In rare cases, optic nerve damage that could lead to vision loss may happen.”
Rapid twitching or fluttering movement of the eyelid (either upper or lower lid) is known as myokymia.
Eye twitching has also been linked to an imbalance of electrolytes, vitamin D, or magnesium.
A more forceful closure of the eyelid where someone is temporarily unable to open their eyes is called blepharospasm.
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Vitamin B12 – also called cobalamin – is required for many processes in the human body. This includes the production of red blood cells and for making the myelin sheaths that provide insulation for the ‘wiring’ of the nervous system.
The NHS lists the most common symptoms of Vitamin 12 deficiency as:
extreme tiredness a lack of energy pins and needles (paraesthesia) a sore and red tongue mouth ulcers muscle weakness disturbed vision psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion problems with memory, understanding and judgement
Vitamin B12 pills are one way of helping to prevent a deficiency especially if you follow a vegan diet and don’t get it from natural sources
(Image: Getty Images)
It says the most common cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK is pernicious anaemia – where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your stomach, preventing your body absorbing vitamin B12 from the food you eat.
In addition, a poor diet, a fad diet or a vegan diet low in this vitamin can trigger a deficiency., it said.
Thirdly, certain medicines, including anticonvulsants and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can affect how much of these vitamins your body absorbs.
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The NHS says vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in older people, affecting around 1 in 10 people aged 75 or over and 1 in 20 people aged 65 to 74.
Most cases of vitamin B12 deficiency can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamin.
Vitamin B12 supplements are usually given by injection at first. Then, depending on whether your B12 deficiency is related to your diet, you’ll either require B12 tablets between meals or regular injections.
These treatments may be needed for the rest of your life, the NHS advised.
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