A: Yes. Research shows that even moderate alcohol consumption may decrease vitamin B12 levels, and alcoholics are thought to be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Why do alcoholics have low B12?
Alcohol has a variety of pathologic effects on erythropoiesis: induces macrocytosis, sideroblastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and megaloblastic anemia that result from nutritional deficiency and/or a direct toxic effect on erythroid precursor [20] and may particularly disturb folate metabolism [21, 22]; this vitamin …
What vitamins are depleted by alcohol?
Vitamins B-1, B-3 and B-6, or thiamine, niacin and pyridoxine, are directly or indirectly involved in alcohol metabolism, and they are among the first nutrients to be depleted by excessive alcohol consumption.
What can affect B12 blood test?
Conditions that can increase B12 level include:
- Liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis )
- Myeloproliferative disorders (for example, polycythemia vera and chronic myelogenous leukemia )
19.01.2018
What does low B12 feel like?
Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas. Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking. Vision loss. Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes.
What does a B12 deficiency tongue look like?
Clinical Findings in Tongue Pathology
B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth. Among women, low-estrogen states may cause a “menopausal glossitis”.
What vitamins do heavy drinkers need?
However, heavy drinkers who are unable to stop drinking or moderate drinking behavior may benefit from supplementation with select B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc because of their neuroprotective and antioxidant effects on the body and brain.
What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems, which affect your nervous system, such as:
- vision problems.
- memory loss.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- loss of physical co-ordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking.
Is it okay to drink vitamins after drinking alcohol?
However, if you take supplements, it is important not to exceed recommended doses of these vitamins as high supplemental doses may lead to liver damage. Alcohol combined with high doses of these vitamins may theoretically lead to or worsen liver damage.
How often should B12 levels be checked?
In mild vitamin B12 deficiency, we recommend repeat measurements of serum vitamin B12, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid levels two to three months after initiating treatment.
Should I be worried if my B12 is high?
There is no upper limit for vitamin B-12 intake because consuming high levels does not cause problems. However, having naturally high levels of vitamin B-12 in the body may be a cause for concern, as it suggests a severe underlying condition.
At what level should B12 be treated?
But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.
How long does it take to recover from B12 deficiency?
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover.
How can I raise my B12 levels fast?
To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:
- Beef, liver, and chicken.
- Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.
- Fortified breakfast cereal.
- Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Eggs.
16.12.2020
Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day?
The recommended dose for treating vitamin B12 deficiency is 1000 mcg daily. The recommended dose for preventing vitamin B12 deficiency is 1500 mg or 2500 mcg (sublingual tablets) daily.