$Unique_ID{BRK01345}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Is There any Medical Reason for Someone to Have B12 Shots?}
$Subject{B12 deficiency symptoms}
$Volume{N-26}
$Log{
Anemia*0009201.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There any Medical Reason for Someone to Have B12 Shots?


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QUESTION:  My physician has me on a regular series of B12 shots, which he
insists I need.  My friend tells me it is all hog wash and there is no such
thing.  Is there any real medical reason for someone to have these treatments?

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ANSWER:  Anywhere from 3 to 10 percent of all people over the age of 65 are
deficient in vitamin B12.  The only way to treat this problem is with
injections.
     Detecting a deficiency of B12 isn't easy.  In fact, diagnosis of this
problem is elusive and difficult, at best.  No one test can tell your doctor
whether you are low in B12, and the symptoms of the problem can be confusing
and vague.  Most of us consume diets that are sufficient in their content of
B12.  Meat, dairy products, yeast and certain vegetables are good sources.
However, some people don't absorb B12 as they should, and thus they can't
depend on a balanced diet to take care of the problem.  Pernicious anemia is
the most common result of the lack of B12 absorption.  People who have had
extensive stomach surgery cannot absorb sufficient B12, and some people with
intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease can't absorb it either.
Alcoholics are often deficient in B12, because alcohol interferes with its
absorption, and because alcoholics often consume poorly balanced diets.
Strict vegetarians who don't take care to balance their diets and elderly
people on fixed incomes are also particularly susceptible to B12 deficiency.
     Symptoms of a lack of B12 in the body are a bit vague.  Fatigue,
confusion, apathy and lack of appetite are common.  The skin may have a lemon
yellow tint, and the tongue may be sore and beefy red.  The patient's family
may report personality changes and unusual behavior.  The patient may report
unusual sensations in the extremities, or a decrease in pain and temperature
sensation.
     A reason for a vitamin B12 deficiency can usually be found.  Simply
replacing the B12 with injections doesn't cure the problem; it only treats the
symptoms.  If your diet is well-balanced, you don't abuse alcohol and you are
truly deficient in B12, your doctor should be able to inform you as to the
origins of your particular need for these vitamin injections.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
