Numbness in hands and feet and fatigue caused by deficiency of qi and blood in Korean medicine often manifest with symptoms very similar to vitamin B12 deficiency in modern medicine. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin in our body, playing an indispensable role in maintaining nervous system function and erythropoiesis.
What happens when vitamin B12 is lacking? First, the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerve cells and assists signal transmission can become damaged. When this occurs, peripheral neuropathy can develop, causing numbness, tingling, and blunted sensation in the hands and feet. Much like an electrical wire short-circuiting when its coating peels away, problems arise in nerve signal transmission. A decline in balance, memory, and concentration can also appear.
Furthermore, vitamin B12 is involved in DNA synthesis and is vital for producing healthy erythrocytes. When this vitamin is deficient, megaloblastic anemia develops, in which erythrocytes become abnormally enlarged. This impairs proper oxygen delivery throughout the body, leading to severe fatigue, lethargy, shortness of breath, and dizziness. This is precisely why you might feel drained and lacking in vitality. Beyond that, symptoms such as glossitis with a swollen or painful tongue, stomatitis, and indigestion may also appear.
Why does vitamin B12 become deficient? One of the most common causes is malabsorption. As people age, gastric acid secretion decreases, and individuals who have undergone gastrectomy or live with small intestine disorders such as Crohn's disease may experience difficulty absorbing vitamin B12. In particular, pernicious anemia, which stems from a lack of intrinsic factor secreted by the stomach, completely prevents vitamin B12 absorption. Diet is another key factor; because vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal-derived foods such as meat, dairy products, and fish, vegetarians or those following a vegan diet may not consume enough. Long-term use of the diabetes medication metformin or proton pump inhibitors can also interfere with vitamin B12 absorption.
Crucially, simply taking an oral supplement often does not solve the problem. If malabsorption is the root cause, oral supplements have clear limitations, and injection therapy may be necessary. If these symptoms persist, visiting a medical clinic for an accurate diagnosis and treatment is essential. Listening to the signals your body sends is the first step toward health.
