Q: I'm exhausted all of the time. My doctor said my level of vitamin B12 islow and suggested I take shots. Is this a good Idea?
A: B[sub 12] deficiencies cause a wide variety of symptoms, Including fatigue, depression, sleep disorders, and even neurological problems, such as numbness and tingling In hands and feet. Several studies even suggest a link between B[sub 12] deficiency and multiple sclerosis. The body needs B[sub 12] to manufactured red blood cells as well as myelin, the fatty lining around nerve cells. B[sub 12] is found In meats, fish, and poultry, and with few exceptions is absent In vegetarian diets. Oral supplements can sometimes correct the deficiency, but if they are poorly absorbed during digestion, injections may be necessary. Sometimes this treatment Is overused, but in certain cases has clear-cut benefits. I've found B[sub 12] injections tremendously helpful for fatigued patients like yourself, and for neurological conditions as well. One patient of mine, suffering from multiple sclerosis, went into remission after 10 weekly B[sub 12] shots. One caveat: casual B[sub 12] injections are not recommended. Patients should ask to be tested for a deficiency first.
