Do You Have A Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Posted by HearingAids on November 30, 2010 under Hearing Loss, Prevention | Be the First to Comment

Vitamin B12, Cobalamin, is essential for the body to properly use iron and form red blood cells.  Red blood cells contain hemoglobin which carries oxygen to all parts of the body.  The nervous system also relies on Vitamin B12 for the creation and maintenance of the myelin sheath that lines the nerve cells.  Deficiency can cause degeneration of the spinal cord, changes in the brain and peripheral neuropathy.  Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to atrophy of the optic nerve.

Cobalamin is only found in animal sources; therefore strict vegetarians are at risk for deficiency.  Vitamin B12 is bound to animal protein and released by gastric acids.  It is stored in the liver and therefore it may take up to two years following the cessation of intake for signs of deficiency to manifest.  The deficiency is found in approximately 10% of all individuals over the age of 80 years due to decreased production of intrinsic factor by the stomach, which binds to B12 for absorption.  Absorption of Vitamin B12 can be enhanced by Vitamin C and can be inhibited by Antacids and Aspirin.  Tea and coffee, which contain tannins, also inhibit absorption.  Excessive use of nicotine and alcohol can deplete the body of Vitamin B12.

Most teens and adults need 2 micrograms of B12 per day.

There are many symptoms to Vitamin B12 deficiency.  The most telling sign is glossitis (inflammation of the tongue).  Other symptoms include unsteady gait, loss of position sense, weakness of the legs, numbness of the feet, pale skin, shortness of breath, irregular rapid heartbeat and loss of appetite.  Occasionally there are complaints of memory loss, hearing difficulties, tinnitus and delusion.

A blood test (B12 level) to check the red blood cell count is the main diagnostic tool for identification of a B12 deficiency.  Since unsteadiness is frequently reported; audiometry, ENG, and MRI are often performed.  Most patients are relieved of their symptoms with B12 supplements either orally on a daily basis, monthly in the form of injections, or via nasal gel.

Audiologists may see B12 deficient patients due to their complaint of balance difficulties.  Audiometry and ENG may reveal normal results; however downbeat nystagmus and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo have been recorded in patients with Cobalamin deficiency.

Submitted by:  Susan Cuttler, Au.D., WFL QM