their dysfunction results in impaired vibration sense and diminished deep tendon reflexes
Theyre not a quick fix, but they can help
By age 60, approximately 10 to 30 percent of people have reduced acid output
Gastrointestinal malabsorption: Patients with Crohns disease, celiac disease, gastric bypass or intestinal surgery often cant absorb B12 properly
They can provide guidance on proper injection technique, site selection, and any additional steps you can take to ensure a positive experience with B12 injections
GPs can prescribe B12 injections following appropriate investigation, which should include: Full blood count to identify macrocytic anaemia Serum B12 and folate levels to confirm deficiency (using laboratory-specific reference ranges) Methylmalonic acid and/or homocysteine when B12 results are borderline Intrinsic factor antibodies if pernicious anaemia is suspected Additional tests depending on clinical presentation (e.g., thyroid function, coeliac serology) When both B12 and folate deficiency are present, B12 should be replaced before folate to avoid precipitating subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord
