Vitamin B-12 deficiency treatment
Treatment can vary according to the cause of the vitamin B-12 deficiency. In most cases, vaccinations or the administration of an oral prescription supplement would suffice to cure the disease.
A doctor can consider receiving high-dose vitamin B12 injections every other day for two weeks or before symptoms resolve.
If a nutritional deficiency causes the condition, the doctor may recommend taking a daily vitamin or continuing injections twice a year or more indefinitely.
Additionally, they can refer the person to a dietician for advice about improving their vitamin B12 intake by diet.
When a person’s diet does not cause a deficiency, they will often require vitamin B12 injections every three months or more often for the remainder of their lives.
Individuals with nervous system problems such as pins and needles or numbness can be refer to a haematologist for specialised treatment of the deficiency. They can need injections every two months or more often for the remainder of their lives.
Vitamin B12 injections usually cause no side effects other than mild pain at the needle insertion site.
Blood samples will often be ordered one to three months after therapy begins to ensure that vitamin B12 levels have returned to normal. Following that, a doctor can recommend a once-yearly follow-up examination.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is usually easy to treat, and symptoms are uncommon.
However, in some instances, especially where a serious or sustained disability has occurred, nerve damage can be permanent and irreversible.
It’s worth noting that most over-the-counter supplements do not contain much vitamin B12 to remedy a deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency prevention
Although it is not always possible to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency, measures should be taken to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
If an individual meets the following criteria, they can consult their healthcare provider about having their vitamin B12 levels tested on a regular basis:
- Proton pump inhibitors can be use on a long-term basis.
- On a long-term basis, use an H2 blocker.
- They take metformin to manage their diabetes.
- Are they devout vegans
- Have gastrointestinal problems or have had gastric or small bowel surgery
- Individuals with disorders that can impair vitamin B12 absorption, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, as well as those above the age of 50, can also consult a healthcare provider on their vitamin B12 requirements.
It is recommended that strict vegans (and sometimes vegetarians) and people over 50 have fortified bread, cereals, and other nutritional items in their diets and take a supplement.
Consequences of B12 deficiency
At times, a vitamin B12 deficiency may result in complications. This will vary according to the degree and extent of the impairment but may include the following:
Neurological difficulties.
These symptoms can include blurred vision, memory loss, pins and needles, difficulties walking or hearing, and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), most often in the legs. At times, though, any of these issues can be permanent.
Fertility problems.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can prevent women from becoming pregnant. This, though, is normally reversible with enough care.
Cancer of the stomach.
Vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anaemia can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Defects along the neural tube.
Pregnant women deficient in vitamin B12 can increase their baby’s risk of developing severe congenital disabilities such as spina bifida.
Additionally, anaemias of all types may sometimes result in severe heart and lung problems. These have irregular pulse and congestive heart failure. Continue reading about anaemia complications.
To avoid risks, individuals who believe they may be deficient in vitamin B12 are immediately urged to contact a trained healthcare practitioner.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Often Asked Questions
Q: Is there a chance of vitamin B12 deficiency for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes. Vitamin B12 is present in animal products such as beef, fish, and dairy but not in plant products, which means that vegans and vegetarians are at an elevated risk of experiencing vitamin B12 deficiency due to insufficient dietary consumption. To reduce the risk of deficiency, it is recommended that strict vegans and vegetarians consume vitamin B12-fortified foods regularly. Certain bread, soy products, and cereals, as well as some yeast extracts, are examples. Additionally, a daily supplement could be require.
Q: Is it possible for vitamin B12 deficiency to result in depression?
Yes. Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest itself in various ways, including psychotic symptoms such as irritability, psychosis, and depression. It is important to keep in mind that a variety of different causes can bring on depression. If a person believes that a vitamin B12 deficiency may cause their depressive mood, they should see a healthcare practitioner.
Q:Is there a correlation between alcohol consumption and vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes. Even mild alcohol intake has been shown to deplete vitamin B12 levels, and alcoholics are believed to be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Blood checks can sometimes reveal artificially elevated vitamin B12 levels; this perplexing state is exacerbate by alcoholic liver disease and can obscure a functional vitamin B12 deficit.
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