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Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is responsible for the release of energy from our food and to process folic acid.  It is important for cells which are rapidly dividing such as those in bone marrow involved in making red blood cells.  Deficiency of B12 can eventually lead to damage within the nervous system.  The relationship between B12 and the CNS is complicated and not fully understood.  So far we know that the body uses vitamin B12 to make myelin surrounding the nerve fibres which is damaged in MS; we also know that Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms similar to MS:  
   
  • Tiredness
  • Lack of energy
  • Feelings of light-headedness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Breathlessness

If you develop anaemia as a result of Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms similar to MS become more pronounced and may present as:
  • Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
  • Disturbed vision
  • Changes in mobility
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Decline in mental judgement and abilities eg memory, understanding and interpretation 

Where is Vitamin B12 found in the diet?
Vitamin B12 is found in animal products: meat, fish and dairy.  For this reason vegetarians often do not consume adequate amounts of the vitamin.

Vegetarians and vegans can include fortified breakfast cereals or yeast extract (Marmite) which both contain B12.  Similarly those following some of the 'special diets' promoted to 'cure' MS may find tat the lack of animal products can cause deficiency.

If you are vegetarian or vegan - it may be necessary to take a supplement under the guidance of a medical professional.

The research hasn't shown any benefit to PwMS in taking a B12 supplement if you ae not deficient.    

Sources:
Department of Health (2012) Manual of Nutrition
​MS Society (2014) Food and Nutrition booklet
NHS Choices website


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PwMS: persons with MS
Photo used under Creative Commons from wuestenigel
  • Home
  • About me
  • Lifestyle and MS
    • What is MS? >
      • Types of MS
      • What causes MS?
      • Symptoms of MS
      • How is MS diagnosed?
      • How is MS treated?
    • Stress and MS
    • Smoking and MS
    • Healthy weight >
      • What is a healthy weight for me?
    • Alcohol and MS
    • Sleep and MS >
      • Sleep hygiene tips from the MS Trust
    • Importance of hydration
  • Keeping active
    • Latest MS-specific physical activity guidelines
    • Benefits of exercise >
      • UK Physical Activity Guidelines
    • Components of physical fitness
    • What sort of 'exercise'?
    • Exercise for managing symptoms
    • Exercise and relapse
    • Tips for exercising with MS
  • Diet
    • What is a healthy diet? >
      • 7 tips for a balanced diet
      • What is a portion?
      • 5 tips from the MS Society
      • Diet to reduce risk of further diseases
    • The diet debate in MS >
      • 'Best Bet' diet
      • Overcoming MS (OMS)
      • SWANK
      • Wahls protocol
    • Diet to manage symptoms
    • Dietary supplements >
      • Vitamin D
      • Vitamin B12
      • Essential Fatty Acids
    • Tips for cooking with MS
  • Blog
    • Blog posts (PDF)
  • Contact
    • Useful resources