Undetected B12 deficiency may cause health issues ; Read to know more
Undetected B12 deficiency may cause health issues ; Read to know more (Representational Image)
By: Pune Pulse
November 21, 2023
A woman in her fifties had been enduring intense tingling, burning and discomfort in her hands and feet for a period of six months. These symptoms had a profound effect on her sleep and overall well-being. The Hyderabad Doctor identified the nature of these symptoms as ‘peripheral neuropathy,’ suggesting the possibility of nerve damage. A lack of Vitamin B12 was discovered during the investigations.
As per the information provided, this vitamin is water-soluble and is eliminated from the body through urine daily. The diet consisted mainly of vegetarian dishes, with non-vegetarian meals consumed only once every 7-10 days. This dietary pattern was a contributing factor to the deficiency.
Dietitians and nutritionists say that it can be difficult to identify Vitamin B12 deficiency as its symptoms can be subtle or resemble other conditions, leading to a confusing diagnosis. Mood changes are just one example of this. However, after a comprehensive evaluation, the patient began treatment with Vitamin B12 injections and medications, resulting in significant improvement after six weeks.
As per the information received, a behaviour change was observed 15 days ago. A concerned individual started getting upset without any apparent reason and became irritable on multiple occasions and also experienced two incidents where she briefly lost awareness of her surroundings for about 10 seconds, with no recollection of what happened during those moments.
Upon detailed assessment, it was discovered that a strict vegetarian diet had caused a Vitamin B12 deficiency, which led to breakthrough seizures and behavioural disturbances. But it is also said that there are ample vegetarian options that are rich in Vitamin B 12. It is important to note that hearing loss and tinnitus can be attributed to a deficiency in Vitamin B12. Therefore, individuals experiencing unexplained hearing loss and/or tinnitus are advised to undergo Vitamin B12 testing.
