B12 vitamin‘s contribution to the body is highlighted by his absence. Among other things, the vitamin supports the nervous system and helps produce red blood cells. Stripped of these functions, the body begins to behave erratically.
A case study published in the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences magazine traces the negative effects of B12 deficiency.
The patient, a previously healthy 56-year-old white male, presented with progressive neuropathy and deteriorating mental status for several months.
Neuropathy describes what happens when the nerves in the extremities of the body, such as the hands, feet, and arms, are damaged. It is a complication of B12 deficiency.
According to the case report, the patient initially developed “numbness of the fingertips and toes” and began to lose motor control of his hands, which manifested when he dropped objects or threw them while trying to pick them up. .
READ MORE: Man, 83, develops ‘paresthesia’ in his fingers due to ‘extreme’ vitamin B12 deficiency
At follow-up exams, her B12 level normalized within two months.
Commenting on the patient report, the case study authors wrote: “Diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency can be challenging, as symptoms can be vague and laboratory test results can be equivocal.”
However, the patient’s symptom profile and responsiveness to treatment indicated that vitamin B12 deficiency was the cause of his decline, they said.
“Fortunately, vitamin B12 therapy reversed her most severe neurological symptoms, although this may not always be the case.”
They added: “Since the reason for the deficiency is unknown, he will continue to receive B12 supplementation indefinitely.”
What causes B12 deficiency?
Pernicious anemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK.
Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system attacks the cells in your stomach that make intrinsic factor, a protein needed to absorb vitamin B12.
Some people may develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet.
According to the National Health ServiceA diet that includes meat, fish, and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who don’t regularly eat these foods may be deficient.
How is B12 deficiency treated?
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the cause of the condition.
Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace missing vitamins.
There are two types of vitamin B12 injections:
- Hydroxocobalamin
- cyanocobalamin.
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