Special Test Needed For Vitamin B12 Deficiency
November 24 2004
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Getting tested for vitamin B12 deficiency is extremely important;
however, scientists have indicated that the standard test --
measuring blood levels -- may not be sensitive enough to detect
a deficiency. Due to this insensitivity, scientists have discovered
an alternative way to detect vitamin B12 deficiency.
It seems that elevated levels of the body's
natural compound, methylmalonic acid (MMA), indicate low levels
of vitamin B12. Low vitamin B12 levels have been linked to several
neurological conditions, such as:
- Dementia
- Spinal cord disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
While vitamin B12 deficiency is most commonly
found in the elderly, it can affect people of all ages. Other high-risk
groups include:
- Vegetarians and their newborns
- Those who have undergone stomach stapling bariatric surgery
- Those exposed to laughing gas anesthesia or nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, a general anesthetic commonly used in dental offices
and hospital operating rooms, can inhibit the action of B12 when
tissue stores are low. This has become a major health problem particularly
for the elderly undergoing surgery that have been either undiagnosed
or untreated for a deficiency. For this reason, doctors are strongly
encouraged to check for vitamin B12 deficiency by measuring both
vitamin B12 as well as MMA in patients prior to surgery.
Another problem that stems from nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide abuse.
This remains a concern among certain medical personnel, teenagers
and young adults who use it for its euphoric effects. Such abuse
can lead to severe neurological damage to the spinal cord or peripheral
nerves.
Science
Daily November 5, 2004