Patient/caregiver was instructed upon indications for vitamin B12 supplementation as follows:
- Homocysteine is a toxic metabolite produced in the body from protein metabolism. Homocysteine produced in the body can be recycled and converted into useful proteins with the help of vitamin B12. High homocysteine levels in the blood can be toxic and can contribute to elevated cholesterol, increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, and formation of blood clots. Elevated homocysteine levels in the blood can also result in early loss of bone, increasing risk for early onset of osteoporosis and fractures. Supplementation of vitamin B12 in deficient states can help control the levels of toxic metabolites and reduce the chances for hyperlipidemia, stroke, clot formation, and osteoporosis.
- Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the terminal portion of ileum, which is the last part of small intestine. Individuals with history of intestinal malabsorption, small bowel resection for any cancers or Crohn’s disease, can present with poor absorption of vitamin B12 with consequent deficiency symptoms. Supplementation of vitamin B12 in such individuals, administered as shots or intranasal inhalations, can help prevent symptoms of deficiency.
- Vitamin B12 is significantly present in meat and animal products, such as milk and eggs. So, individuals adhering to strict vegetarian diets are likely to present with deficiency of vitamin B12. Supplementation of vitamin B12 in such individuals can help prevent symptoms of deficiency.
