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jp4m2 · 12-07-2009, 11:12 AM

Recently I started reading on Vitamin B12 deficiency because my son was diagnosed as having a low level. I was just shocked at the medical problems this vitamin deficiency can cause or contribute to if the level is too low. The deficiency can develope from inadequate dietary intake or impaired absorption. The malabsorbtion can be for many reasons such as in deficiencies in pepsin, low levels of hydrochloric acid (from acid reducers) , R-protein, pancreatic enzymes, lack of intrinsic factor, calcium and cell receptors can all lead to B12 deficiency through blocked absorption. The good news it's easily treated with B12 in the form of " Methylcobalamin".

I was especially surprised that a vast number of the elderly that are having dementia/ and or Alzheimer symptoms are really in need of B12!! So if you know someone who has developed memory loss, poor cognitive function it might be worth checking and/or treating with B12......

Doctors tend to not look for this, so you would have to ask for a simple MMA test to check your level. But from my reading the test is only one way to diagnose a B12 deficiency, it's also based on your symptoms. In some cases even if the MMA test indicates a normal level but the symptoms indicate otherwise, treatment with B12 may be indicated. Some will need a higher dosage than others. Vegetarians are particularly at risk because B12 comes mainly from eating animal protein.

These are some of the signs that can be B12 related....

SIGNS OF B12 DEFICIENCY
Poor growth/failure to thrive in infants
Premature grey hair
Disturbed carbohydrate metabolism
Fatigue
Weakness
Weight loss
Constipation
Infertility
Vision problems
Loss of hearing and tinnitus
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Impotence
Incontinence
Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation
(dark and light patches in the skin)
Neuralgia, neuritis and bursitis
Anemia, including pernicious anemia**
Psoriasis and other skin problems
Brain degeneration
Insomnia
Irrational or chronic anger
Violent behavior
Lack of balance/abnormal gait
Combat fatigue
Any emotional disorder up to and including insanity
Gastritis##

When a person has a B12 deficiency it can cause these symptoms and may contribute to developing other medical problems, two of them are pernicious anemia or atrophic gastritis which will create additional symptoms of their own.

** Pernicious anemia,this is what my son has...It's from the lack of a protein in the stomach that helps the body absorb vitamin B12. The protein is called intrinsic (in-TRIN-sik) factor. Intrinsic factor is made by special cells called, parietal (pa-RI-e-tal) cells, in the lining of the stomach. In some people, these cells are destroyed by the body's immune system or as a result of stomach surgery. When this happens, intrinsic factor is not produced and vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed. This is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. So the anemia will have symptoms of it's own in addition to the B12 deficiency symptoms ....

Early symptoms of pernicious anemia include paleness, weakness and fatigue; severe anemia causes shortness of breath, dizziness and a rapid heart rate.

## Atrophic Gastritis an inflammation and deterioration of the stomach lining. Atrophic gastritis reduces the secretion of the stomach acid that is needed to separate the B12 from protein, a problem made worse by antacid reducers. and aging. Signs could be.... indigestion, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting, possibly of blood (called hematemesis) or material that looks like coffee-grounds, dark stools. It is also frequently associated with an infection by the bacteria, Heliobacter pylori. So a test to rule out H.pylori might be done.

Here are a couple of sites to begin reading from

Vitamin B12: Vital Nutrient for Good Health

Could YOU Have Vitamin B 12 Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B12: Are You Getting It?

I just wanted to post this in hopes that this info can help someone who is suffering and the doctor has been unable to find the cause. After doing the reading I have done I now believe my deceased father was suffering from B12 deficiency and the doctor never checked.....how sad.....

Also, Vitamin D deficiency is just as important for improved health, I will be having my D and B12 checked.....

12-07-2009, 11:12 AM	#1
jp4m2 Love my Boys Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: w/ my boys Posts: 5,056	Could this help someone you know.... Recently I started reading on Vitamin B12 deficiency because my son was diagnosed as having a low level. I was just shocked at the medical problems this vitamin deficiency can cause or contribute to if the level is too low. The deficiency can develope from inadequate dietary intake or impaired absorption. The malabsorbtion can be for many reasons such as in deficiencies in pepsin, low levels of hydrochloric acid (from acid reducers) , R-protein, pancreatic enzymes, lack of intrinsic factor, calcium and cell receptors can all lead to B12 deficiency through blocked absorption. The good news it's easily treated with B12 in the form of " Methylcobalamin". I was especially surprised that a vast number of the elderly that are having dementia/ and or Alzheimer symptoms are really in need of B12!! So if you know someone who has developed memory loss, poor cognitive function it might be worth checking and/or treating with B12...... Doctors tend to not look for this, so you would have to ask for a simple MMA test to check your level. But from my reading the test is only one way to diagnose a B12 deficiency, it's also based on your symptoms. In some cases even if the MMA test indicates a normal level but the symptoms indicate otherwise, treatment with B12 may be indicated. Some will need a higher dosage than others. Vegetarians are particularly at risk because B12 comes mainly from eating animal protein. These are some of the signs that can be B12 related.... SIGNS OF B12 DEFICIENCY Poor growth/failure to thrive in infants Premature grey hair Disturbed carbohydrate metabolism Fatigue Weakness Weight loss Constipation Infertility Vision problems Loss of hearing and tinnitus Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet Impotence Incontinence Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation (dark and light patches in the skin) Neuralgia, neuritis and bursitis Anemia, including pernicious anemia Psoriasis and other skin problems Brain degeneration Insomnia Irrational or chronic anger Violent behavior Lack of balance/abnormal gait Combat fatigue Any emotional disorder up to and including insanity Gastritis## When a person has a B12 deficiency it can cause these symptoms and may contribute to developing other medical problems, two of them are pernicious anemia or atrophic gastritis which will create additional symptoms of their own. Pernicious anemia,this is what my son has...It's from the lack of a protein in the stomach that helps the body absorb vitamin B12. The protein is called intrinsic (in-TRIN-sik) factor. Intrinsic factor is made by special cells called, parietal (pa-RI-e-tal) cells, in the lining of the stomach. In some people, these cells are destroyed by the body's immune system or as a result of stomach surgery. When this happens, intrinsic factor is not produced and vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed. This is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. So the anemia will have symptoms of it's own in addition to the B12 deficiency symptoms .... Early symptoms of pernicious anemia include paleness, weakness and fatigue; severe anemia causes shortness of breath, dizziness and a rapid heart rate. ## Atrophic Gastritis an inflammation and deterioration of the stomach lining. Atrophic gastritis reduces the secretion of the stomach acid that is needed to separate the B12 from protein, a problem made worse by antacid reducers. and aging. Signs could be.... indigestion, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting, possibly of blood (called hematemesis) or material that looks like coffee-grounds, dark stools. It is also frequently associated with an infection by the bacteria, Heliobacter pylori. So a test to rule out H.pylori might be done. Here are a couple of sites to begin reading from Vitamin B12: Vital Nutrient for Good Health Could YOU Have Vitamin B 12 Deficiency Symptoms Vitamin B12: Are You Getting It? I just wanted to post this in hopes that this info can help someone who is suffering and the doctor has been unable to find the cause. After doing the reading I have done I now believe my deceased father was suffering from B12 deficiency and the doctor never checked.....how sad..... Also, Vitamin D deficiency is just as important for improved health, I will be having my D and B12 checked..... __________________ B.J.mom to : Jake J.J. Jack & Joey, momma misses you..... The joy found in the companionship of a pet is a blessing not given to everyone. The two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: me too..