Initial symptoms that suggest B12 deficiency include: fatigue, weakness, numbness, sore tongue, muscle spasms, appetite loss, weight loss, and forgetfulness.
Over a period of time, Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause some illnesses, including anemia and neuropathics. A deficiency is easily corrected by monthly injection in your local physician's office, or you can be taught to give it at home.
Your Vitamin B12 level is checked through a simple blood test. Talk with your doctor to see if this test is part of your regular and annual follow-up. If not, see to it immediately.
A new product, Nascobal, delivers B12 by nose instead of by needle. After the blood level has been stabilized by injection therapy, many people can maintain the proper level of B12 with this intra nasal product.
The odourless, flavourless gel comes in a nasal squeeze bottle. This convenient, inject-free method delivers a precise 500 mg. once weekly dose. It is available by prescription only.
Vitamin B12 blood levels and peripheral blood counts must be monitored initially at one month after the start of treatment and then at intervals of 3 -6 months. A decline in levels after one month of treatment may indicate that the dose may need to be adjusted upward.
There are contradictions for people sensitive to cobalt and/or B12. Those with a hereditary form of Leber's disease suffered severe and swift optic atrophy. Beware! Folic acid is not a substitute for Vitamin B12, and can result in progressive and irreversible neurological damage.
