It is so natural to take for granted the vitamins we consume from our food and supplements. It wasn’t until I had my first major bowel resection in January, 1993, however, that I realized how important some of these vitamins and minerals are for the integrity of our bodies. That blockage resulted in the removal of the ileum, which is the lower portion of the small intestines, responsible for storing Vitamin B 12. As a result, since that time, I have been receiving that vitamin via injection monthly. Many take it sublingually, which means allowing it to melt below the tongue, but I have been told my health depends upon the injections, so I am now Nurse Nancy for my injections monthly. Although I never thought I could plunge the needle into my thigh muscle, I have come to relish the independence of not going to a doctor’s office, waiting my turn, worrying if I missed my appointment. In truth, it is a testimony to the adage that “we can become used to anything!” Although I have to you tube the action of loading the syringe most months, I am proud of the ability to take care of myself in this way.

To help you understand the importance of  B 12, I will give you a little anatomy tutorial: the squiggly bowels are called the small intestine, located between the stomach and large intestine, or colon, and the job of this organ is to absorb nutrients from food and store beneficial vitamins, including the B vitamins.  Vitamin B 12 is very important for the normal functioning of the nervous system, and prevents or treats generalized vitamin deficiency. It is found in plant-based foods, as well as meat, fish, fowl, milk and eggs. Most people can readily store this valuable vitamin, as noted, in the ileum. In my case, the loss of the ileum requires replenishing on a regular basis.

Since bariatric surgery is also on the rise, it is important to remind those who have had gastric bypass or gastric sleeves, proton-pump inhibitors or antacid therapy, to also keep up with their B 12 intake, since their gut may not produce it, and therefore, cannot store it.  Vegans are urged to also consume a dietary supplement of the vitamin, since they can only depend upon plant-based foods. 

Vitamin B 12 deficiency causes anemia, which is characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells. Additional signs of deficiency include soreness of tongue, breathlessness, jaundice, and severe joint pain, as well as neurological symptoms such as pins and needles, numbness and tinnitus (ringing in the ears.) Severe deficiency can result in overwhelming psychological and neurological issues, as well as symptoms of reduced heart function.

Fortunately, vitamin B 12 levels are easy enough to track, since they can be assessed by blood labs. If a reversible cause is found, working to correct that cause quickly, if possible, is recommended. If no cause is found, then, like me, lifelong B 12 administration is usually the standard treatment.

Of course, a consultation with your physician or health care provider is a great place to start an inquiry into this important deficiency, particularly if you follow a vegan diet, have had gastric/bariatric surgery, are on a proton-pump inhibitor or other antacids, or have lost part of your small intestine. It is my belief that a lot of times, neurological/cardiac disorders are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, when they can be easily assisted by correct B 12 levels. This may be one of those times when “a word to the wise is sufficient!”

 

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