The NHS has issued a warning that experiencing "pins and needles" could be a sign of a serious deficiency. Anaemia caused by a lack of Vitamin B12 or B9 (folate) occurs when the body is deficient in these vital vitamins. If left untreated, some complications can become permanent, hence the term "irreversible". This deficiency leads to the production of abnormally large red blood cells that don't function as they should. The NHS clarifies that red blood cells carry oxygen around the body using haemoglobin. "Anaemia is the general term for having either fewer red blood cells than normal or having an abnormally low amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell," it explains.
It warns: "Some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible." So what are the symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency?. These vitamins are crucial for daily functioning, but a deficiency can lead to symptoms such as tingling sensations (pins and needles), low energy and fatigue. Other signs and symptoms include:. Do I need to see a GP?. The NHS warns: "Some of these problems can also happen if you have a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate but do not have anaemia.".
