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Suggest Treatment For Vitiligo, Fatigue And Acne Caused By Vitamin B12 Deficiency

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Posted on Fri, 25 Nov 2016
Question: I have many of the symptoms of having a B12 deficiency. Firstly, I suffer from vitiligo, very slow spreading since age 15 in two areas. This alone can be B12 deficiency. Although my diet contains vast amounts of meat, I believe that I probably am not absorbing it.
The symptoms I’ve had include: vitiligo, tiredness, acne, fatigue, dry hair, greying hair, lack of energy, mood changes, cannot think, occasional balance issues.
I understand that blood tests are simply pointless since your blood level can be fine but otherwise you aren’t digesting etc. My MCV 100 was high 2 years ago and had above symptoms badly, so taking a vitamin B Complex over 4-6 months lowered MCV to normal level. I felt a little better, but not enough.
Now I have a B12 spray which is strong and contains 48,000% of RDA. My question is; if my issue is B12 then how long before this spray begins to remove symptoms? It is also true that the spray is better than supplement because it goes straight to blood stream?

PS. Not only do I have the autoimmune issue, but I also drink heavily twice each week – which can also lower B12 levels. Furthermore, I had acne badly a few years ago, yet I found supplementing with zinc cured it – although B12 deficiency can dry skin and cause acne (although I also read it can also create acne if taken in excess too).
The spray will be good? Will grey hairs reverse if they happened because of low B12? My other blood tests showed erratic blood cell behaviour that wasn’t ‘normal’ such a large red blood cells, etc and then opposite.
Your thoughts here? Thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Spray is definitely a better option

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Thank you for posting your question on Health Care Magic.
All the symptoms which you have mentioned are definitely seen in severe B12 deficiency.
But I would definitely like to know if you have tested B12 levels? if so what are the results.
B12 is not absorbed much in an oral form and it is also not stored for long in our body.
Injections or the spray are absorbed better as they directly reach the blood stream by passing the stomach.
I would also need to know if you have done your folic acid levels?
Now coming to the shape of your red blood cells definitely they were bigger due to B12 deficiency and when you started replacement they begun to shrink.
Hope this helps
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (57 minutes later)
Thanks for your reply. My 'Active B12' level seemed normal, but I read this test is meaningless for many. I didn't get folic acid tested. I have attached one of the blood tests done earlier this year.
Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
B12 levels will definitely give you a good picture of the reason for your s

Detailed Answer:
Hello again ,B12 levels will definitely give you a picture of the actual deficiency
Folic acid level along with that will also help.
The reports you have attached are just the complete blood count's which are more or less normal.
You definitely require B12 replacement if your levels are low .
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (10 hours later)
Hi, thanks for reply.
How long will it take for the B12 spray to resolve a slight deficiency? Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
4 to 6 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, it will take about 4 to 6 weeks for complete resolution of symptoms

However from 2 to 3 weeks mild improvement can be noted.
If our discussion has helped you please give a review.

Best wishes
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Rahul Tawde

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 1 Question

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Suggest Treatment For Vitiligo, Fatigue And Acne Caused By Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Brief Answer: Spray is definitely a better option Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for posting your question on Health Care Magic. All the symptoms which you have mentioned are definitely seen in severe B12 deficiency. But I would definitely like to know if you have tested B12 levels? if so what are the results. B12 is not absorbed much in an oral form and it is also not stored for long in our body. Injections or the spray are absorbed better as they directly reach the blood stream by passing the stomach. I would also need to know if you have done your folic acid levels? Now coming to the shape of your red blood cells definitely they were bigger due to B12 deficiency and when you started replacement they begun to shrink. Hope this helps Best wishes