Neuropathy is a condition where a single nerve or nerve group is not properly functioning and causing pain. There are a great number of different types of neuropathies, but only one is commonly referred to as having a vitamin B12 deficiency neuropathy connection. Vitamin B12 is a critical component in the proper functioning of all nerves. As a result a Vitamin B12 deficiency can create several types of neuropathies. The three most common are pernicious anemia, optic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a vitamin B12 neuropathy connection is common because vitamin B12 itself is not only necessary for nerve function, but also for its important role in the synthesis of DNA and its role in neurological functions. In fact the AAFP has written that a Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a primary factor in many conditions. These conditions can be treated with early diagnosis and early dosing of vitamin B12. The two main categories of conditions that can be treated by early vitamin B12 dosing are the conditions that are known to be within the umbrella of neuropsychiatric and hematological disorders.
The vitamin B12 deficiency neuropathy connection is widely know and accepted in the medical community as a condition that is commonly undiagnosed. The actual percentage of adults that are vitamin B12 deficient within the general population has never been studied in enough depth to identify its prevalence. The only studies that have been conducted seem to indicate that a vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in adults over the age of 65. Some believe that at the time of this study the use of anti gas and anti acid medications was widespread in the over 65 population and could have skewed the results. Anti gas and anti acid medications can create a condition within the stomach whereby the body’s natural process of vitamin B12 absorption is hindered. Nevertheless the fact remains that this group did have a higher prevalence of a vitamin B12 deficiency neuropathy connection.
Vitamin B12 Neuropathy Connection Importance
The connections between vitamin B12 deficiency and neuropathy cannot be overstated. The reason for this seemingly alarming statement is the fact that the body naturally holds a 3-5 year storehouse of extra vitamin B12 in the liver. This alone should be indicative of the critical nature of this vitamin. Anything the body itself stores for years in advance is clearly something that you do not want to ever be found lacking. But when a person is manifesting symptoms of a vitamin B12 neuropathy connection it can only be the result of a long term condition. In fact it has to be assumed that this person has had this condition causing the lack of B12 absorption for a period of over 3-5 years, the time it has taken for the body to deplete its storehouse and then to begin manifesting symptoms.
For this reason it is critical that anyone that is experiencing a symptoms of a vitamin B12 neuropathy connection should immediately seek out medical attention. After all, this condition has not come about overnight, by the time you recognize the symptoms it has already incubated in your body for 3-5 years. For other vitamin B12 Deficiency symptoms click the link.