Vitamin B12: The unknown Vitamin?
I order a vitamin B12 blood test almost everyday in my patients. I have been surprised over the years about the vitamin B12 deficiency in our population and my success rate in accurately diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency is about 97 percent.

So why is this so common in our patients?
Vitamin B12 is found in significant amounts only in animal protein foods—meat and poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Even small amounts of these foods supply sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 to provide enough for healthy people. We also have healthy stores of this vitamin which can last for 3 to 5 years! I have noted that this deficiency is common in vegetarian communities like gujrathis, kachhis and marwaris. Vitamin B12 absorption also decreases with increasing age and many senior citizens therefore have Vitamin B12 deficiency. Tape worm infestation and alcohol abuse are other common causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

What are the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Symptoms of severe vitamin B12 deficiency (regardless of the cause) may include burning of the tongue, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, intermittent constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, menstrual symptoms, psychological symptoms (like irritability to frank psychosis), and nervous system problems, such as numbness and tingling in the feet and hands. Most symptoms can occur before the deficiency is severe enough to cause anemia. It is also important to note that a vitamin b12 deficient patient usually has increased levels of homocystein in blood. This leads to blood thickening and is a known factor to cause heart attacks.

Treatment:
Oral or injections of vitamin B12 as the case demands are prescribed. A repeat test in 3 months may be recommended. Daily supplements are then advised. Some rare cases may need a monthly injection of vitamin B12.