Suggest Treatment For Deficiency Of B 12 Vitamin

Posted on Wed, 14 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 Answered on

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am concerned that my mother is deficient in B-12... and could benefit from B-12 injections...at 77 is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. How can I and shouldn't I insist that her physician test for levels of deficiency in this area as well as other blood levels to determine?
Second question is the lower band for that test too low to determine a proper reading?

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get vit B12 assay or a hemogram

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Vit B12 deficiency is common. You can ask me for routine hemoglobin or hemogram. If its normal, no further tests necessary.
2. Hemogram would show increased MCV. Anemia mainly, along with low WBC or platelets count may be seen.
3. Serum or urinary methyl malonic acid levels will be increased.
4. For vit B12 assay, lower band is easily measured. You can get any test or vit B12 assay for confirmation.
However, taking excess vit B12 won't be toxic as anything excess is excreted in urine.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar