Vitamin B12 deficiency it can be very debilitating. Report of a case published in the journal BMC Research Notes leaves no doubt. The case report is of particular interest because diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is “challenging in resource-limited settings due to limited access to diagnostic tools and unfamiliarity with the disease, due to its rarity, especially in youth,” the case study authors wrote.
A 28-year-old sub-Saharan woman presented with “insidious painful burning sensations in the upper trunk, symmetrical numbness, and tingling sensations in the hands and feet,” which progressed over a five-year period, according to the report.
These symptoms began as “intermittent burning sensations” in the upper trunk, which progressed to numbness and paresthesia (tingling) of the upper and lower extremities, respectively.
These were associated with mild weakness of the hands and feet, insomnia, irritability, and constipation.
Before presenting to the clinic, the woman had consulted in numerous health institutions where she had been treated for various pathologies without “relief of symptoms”.
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Neuropathy is damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves that typically results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and pain in the extremities.
B12 deficiency is a cause of neuropathy because the vitamin plays a key role in supporting the nervous system.
The woman received oral vitamin B12 supplementation at 2 mg daily for three months.
Follow-up was characterized by “good clinical recovery” after one month of therapy, the case report stated.
READ MORE: B12 deficiency: the sign upon waking up in the morning, seen in nearly 90% of cases
What causes vitamin B12 deficiency?
According to the National Health ServiceVitamin B12 deficiency occurs when a lack of the vitamin impairs the body’s ability to produce fully functioning red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
Pernicious anemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK.
It is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks cells in your stomach that produce intrinsic factor, a protein that helps your body absorb vitamin B12.
Some people may develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet.
A 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 to treat B12 deficiency
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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