How long before I can recover from vitamin deficiency?

[Losxanthoz]

I got diagnosed with vitamin deficiency likely b12. I get tinglings everywhere mostly on my back, hands and feet. It's very frustrating and I've been deficient for more than 4 months now. I just got diagnosed and bought 500mcg oral supplement. I don't know how long till I finally get cured because I can't go to school because of this. Help please!!!

[Seth12345]

First, you need to confirm if it is a b12 deficieny..

Second, if your deficiency is so severe that you were having neurological symptoms you more than likely need injections to rectify this.

Third, the recovery could take months. It's hard to know how the recovery will go for you. Some people, like myself, get much worse before they get better. However if you do have a B12 deficiency you really do need to start getting your levels up and keep them there for months. If you don't have access to injections then you should at least start using heavy dose sublinguals like you are.

[Losxanthoz in reply to Seth12345]

How long did it take you before you saw some real improvements?

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi Losxanthoz are you in the U.K?

You really need to identify the cause for your B12 deficiency. Did your doctor not give you any ideas?

Anyone at any age, can become B12 deficient. However, certain people are at an elevated risk. They include the following:

Vegetarians, vegans and people eating macrobiotic diets.

People aged sixty and over

People who’ve undergone any gastric and/or intestinal surgery, including bariatric surgery for weight loss purposes (Gastric bypass).

People who regularly use proton-pump- inhibitors. H2 blockers, antacids, Metformin, and related diabetes drugs, or other medications, or infections such as h-pylori that can interfere with B12 absorption.

People who undergo surgeries or dental procedures involving nitrous oxide, or who use the drug recreationally.

People with a history of eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia).

People with a history of alcoholism.

People with a family history of pernicious anaemia.

People diagnosed with anaemia (including iron deficiency anaemia, sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia).

People with Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gluten enteropathy (celiac disease), Pancreatic insufficiency, or any other disease that cause malabsorption of nutrients.

People with autoimmune disorders (especially thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease) Type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, lupus, Addison’s disease, ulcerative colitis, infertility, acquired agammaglobulinemia, or a family history of these disorders.

Women with a history of infertility or multiple miscarriages.

Infants born to and/or breast fed by women who are symptomatic or are at risk for B12 deficiency.

Read down the list and see if you can "see yourself" in any of the above "people".

As to how long before recovery a lot will depend on how long you have been deficient before you got the diagnosis and as Seth12345 says it may be that you need B12 injections.

I am not a medically trained person but I've had Pernicious Anaemia (one of many causes of B12 deficiency) for more than 48 years.

I wish you well.

[mabbutt]

Please go to this website b12deficiency.info - It's an amazing source of information and help - Tracey Witty is a Uk b12 guru !

[Narwhal10]

Hi Los,

Sorry to hear you are not well and you can’t go to school. I do hope you get better soon x