Question 1

can a b12 deficiency cause loss of smell and taste?

Accepted Answer

Doubtful: Your question is very concerning. You're a diabetic, you state you are sad, and you're just reported loss of smell and taste. These need to be worked up. Is it you antidepressant medication? This is infamous. Do you have nasal polyps? Easy to fix. If you are also B12 deficient, this is extremely serious and needs to be worked up and addressed. But it's probably not the cause.

Question 2

can a b12 deficiency disrupt your menstrual cycle?

Accepted Answer

B12 and Menstrual: There is no direct affect of B12 deficiency and irregular menses; however, often one deficiency of a nutrient, vitamin, or mineral is associated with others making it difficult to pinpoint cause and affect.

Question 3

strongly suspect b12 deficiency.how to cure/treat it w/o dr visit?can't afford dr.can i just take certain amt b12 daily?how much?im 38,115 lbs,5'6.

Accepted Answer

Don't self-diagnose: If you are a vegetarian, you need to supplement or you are likely to end up with brain damage. Even the vegan leadership acknowledges this. If you have self-diagnosed B12 deficiency from some other cause, then either you are wrong (and you have symptoms from some other cause which must be discovered) or you have pernicious anemia, for which you need injections to avoid brain damage.

Question 4

is b12 b12 deficiency dangerous if you don't do anything about it?

Accepted Answer

POSSIBLY: Prolonged B12 deficiency can result in peripheral neuropathy and reduced mental function.  If left untreated the damage can become permanent. If pernicious anemia exists, the deficiency can be fatal. Early signs are seen in blood work where MCV and/or MCH values are elevated, which indicate a B12 and/or Folic Acid deficiency. B12 is best given im or sq. Take professional grade b-complex, too.

Question 5

what does b12 deficiency cause?

Accepted Answer

Anemia: The most common complication of B12 deficiency is anemia.  Pernicious anemia, which is an autoimmune process that can cause profound B12 deficiency, is associated also with neurologic symptoms such as weakness/numbness/tingling, memory problems, personality changes.  The tongue can become shiny and sore.  Symptoms respond to vitamin B12 supplementation, frequently injections if pernicious anemia.

Question 6

b12 deficiency cause pts become aggrasive?

Accepted Answer

May be: Vit B12 plays important role in normal functioning of brain and nervous system. Deficiency is known to cause cognitive impairment and behavior disturbances in elderly.

Question 7

what to expect if my current state of b12 deficiency persists?

Accepted Answer

B12 injections: B 12 deficiency can be easily treated with injections of b12. Once a month is more than enough, less frequent may be adequate, but at least twice a year. If you get treatment, you should not have issues from B12 deficiency, though the reason for why you have deficiency should also be addressed.

Question 8

should strenuos exercise be avoided if one has b12 deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: First of all, its not too difficult to up your B12 even if you are a vegan, you can take it sublingually. Second, i think the bigger problem is the paresthesias, and pain. Those will inhibit exercise more than the B12 deficiency.

Question 9

help! can b12 deficiency run in families?

Accepted Answer

Possible: The B12 deficiency from lack of the cofactor for absorption from the stomach could "run in families".

Question 10

could hemochromatosis cause b12 deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Possibly indirectly: The principle treatment for iron overload due to hereditary hemochromatosis is phlebotomy--removing blood/red blood cells. Other important nutrients such as B12 and folic acid are also removed. Many hematologists recommend supplementing vitamins B12, B6 &amp; folic acid to help support the blood when a patient is receiving regular phlebotomy. A daily multivitamin/mineral is a good place to start.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How can a b12 deficiency affect the metabolism

A member asked:

Can a b12 deficiency cause loss of smell and taste?

A member asked:

Can a b12 deficiency disrupt your menstrual cycle?

A member asked:

Strongly suspect b12 deficiency.how to cure/treat it w/o dr visit?can't afford dr.can i just take certain amt b12 daily?how much?im 38,115 lbs,5'6.

A member asked:

Is b12 b12 deficiency dangerous if you don't do anything about it?

A member asked:

What does b12 deficiency cause?

A member asked:

B12 deficiency cause pts become aggrasive?

A member asked:

What to expect if my current state of b12 deficiency persists?

A member asked:

Should strenuos exercise be avoided if one has b12 deficiency?

A member asked:

Help! can b12 deficiency run in families?

A member asked:

Could hemochromatosis cause b12 deficiency?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?