The contribution of vitamin B12 to the body is sharply diminished by its absence.Among other things, the vitamin supports the nervous system and helps make red blood cells. method will start to work.
A case study published in the journal American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science shows the negative effects of vitamin B12 deficiency.
The patient was a previously healthy 56-year-old Caucasian male who presented with progressive neuropathy and declining mental status over several months.
Neuropathy describes what happens when the nerves in the extremities of the body, such as the hands, feet and arms, are damaged – a complication of B12 deficiency.
According to the case report, the patient first developed “numbness in the fingertips and balls of the feet” and began to lose motor control of the hands.
Read more: 83-year-old man develops ‘paresthesia’ in fingers due to ‘extreme’ vitamin B12 deficiency.
At follow-up examination, his B12 levels normalized at 2 months.
Commenting on the patient’s report, the case study author wrote:
However, the patient’s symptom profile and response to treatment indicated that B12 deficiency was responsible for his decline, they said.
“Fortunately, B12 therapy improved his most severe neurological symptoms, but this is not always the case.”
READ MORE: ‘Severe’: 15-year-old boy’s health deteriorates rapidly within weeks of B12 deficiency
They added: “Since the reason for the deficiency is unknown, he will continue to receive B12 supplements indefinitely.”
What Causes B12 Deficiency?
Pernicious anemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK.
Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease. That is, the immune system attacks stomach cells that produce intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Some people can develop vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet.
According to the NHS, a diet containing meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who don’t eat these foods regularly can become deficient.
How is B12 deficiency treated?
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the cause of the condition.
Most people can easily be treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.
There are two types of vitamin B12 injections.
- Hydroxycobalamin
- Cyanocobalamin.
