Prophylaxis | Vitamin B12 deficiency

Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is actually not necessary for people with average eating habits, as the liver stores enough vitamin B12 for 2-3 years. In the event of a deficiency, it can release the required daily dose bit by bit, so that even years of vegan or vegetarian nutrition remain without symptoms. The “Otto normal consumer” who consumes meat several times a month does not have to take prophylaxis unless there is an absorption disorder (see above).Since vitamin B12 lowers the Homocysteinkonzentration blood beside vitamin B6 and Folsäure, for a long time to a forced substitution of evenly these Vitamine was guessed/advised.

Homocysteine is considered in increased concentration as risk factor for Arteriosklerose and cardiovascular diseases. However, the effectiveness of this therapy has been questioned in several studies and is still not completely clear today. In patients who cannot absorb vitamin B12 properly, a permanent substitution is indicated for prophylaxis. This can be done either orally or intramuscularly if daily substitution is not desired. In this case, an increased dose is simply injected into the muscle and stored in the liver for a longer period of time.

Prognosis

With an ever stronger turn away above all the younger generation from the consumption of animal products and an increasingly vegetarian nourishing way moves apart from the iron deficiency also the Vitamin B12 deficiency strengthened into the focus. It is problematic here that the first symptoms occur only years later and are therefore not directly associated with the changed nourishing way. For vegetarians and Veganer it is therefore particularly important to inform itself about possible effects of their renouncement, in order to be able to take countermeasures promptly.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in children

Vitamin B12 deficiency in children is in most cases caused by a reduced dietary intake. The intrinsic factor is in most cases completely developed. Exceptions are children in whom the Intrinsic Factor has been reduced or completely absent.

In this case, a hereditary cause may be at fault. It is said that children who eat a completely vegan diet lack a sufficient source of vitamin B12. Since the vast majority of vitamin B12 comes from animal sources (red meat and fish and cheese), these vitamin suppliers are lacking in children and must be supplied artificially.

The risk is not so high in vegetarian-fed children because animal products are consumed (cheese and milk). Compensating for a vitamin B12 deficiency is particularly important for children, as it can cause lasting and irreparable developmental damage. In addition to the known fatigue caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, severe neurological abnormalities can also occur.

Severe vitamin B12 deficiency in childhood can also cause mental retardation. An immediate compensation of a vitamin-B12 deficiency should therefore be sought. A vegan diet in childhood should be avoided.