Medical Questions > Conditions and Diseases > Stroke Forum

What is Low B12 and What can I Do About it?

Must Read
What happens during a stroke? What increases your chances of having a stroke? Stroke basics and info on the two types of stroke here....
Strokes can happen with virtually no warning signs. Learn the symptoms of stroke so that you can take immediate action in case of emergency....
User Profile
Had a TIA with numbness on left side lasting about 3 hours. Now on blood pressure medicine and was told today that B12 level is very low and to get my blood drawn tomorrow. What is low B12 and what do I do about it?


Did you find this post helpful?
|

User Profile
replied February 6th, 2006
Stroke Answer A279
Low B12 usually means that either you don’t intake the vitamin in enough dosage with food or it is not absorbed well by the intestines. Lack of the vitamin B12 may cause megaloblastic anemia; that’s probably why your doctors asked you for a blood test. If megaloblastic anemia is caused by chronic stomach inflammation (lack of intrinsic factors withstanding), it is called "pernicious anemia". If the blood analyses find anemia, you will most likely be asked to intake B12 parenterally (by injection).
|
Did you find this post helpful?
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Stroke , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.