Patient/caregiver was instructed upon indications for vitamin B12 supplementation as follows:
- Individuals can present with anemia and peripheral neuropathy, secondary to deficiency of vitamin B12. Supplementation of vitamin B12 in such individuals can help prevent symptoms of deficiency.
- Vitamin B12 plays a significant role in maintaining overall body metabolism. Individuals with slower metabolism can benefit with supplementation of vitamin B12, as it can help with boosting the body metabolism.
- Deficiency of vitamin B12 in pregnant women can result in delayed fetal growth and compromised development. Vitamin B12 levels must be closely watched during pregnancy and supplements administered in deficient states to help normal fetal growth and development.
- Intrinsic factor is a protein produced in the stomach, which is essential for absorption of vitamin B12. Individuals with history of any stomach resection, secondary to cancers, can present with deficient production of intrinsic factor. Some individuals can also have an autoimmune response that damages the cells producing intrinsic factor in the body, thus leading to deficiency of this factor. Irrespective to the origin, intrinsic factor deficiency can lead to compromised absorption of vitamin B12, thus leading to deficiency. Supplementation of vitamin B12 in such individuals, administered as shots or in very high oral doses, can help prevent symptoms of deficiency.
