How We Assess B12 Deficiency in the Office 

A blood test does not always accurately measure B12 deficiencies.  Often, we will have patients come into the office with either excessively elevated or depleted B12 levels.  We look upstream to see if they are on a proton pump inhibitor medication.  The strength of these anti acid medications upset the digestive systems ability to absorb nutrients including B12.  Historically those over 40 years of age usually have digestive malabsorption.  We look at the serum blood marker called Globulin. Globulin statistically should be 2.7 in one’s labs, if the number is above 3 or below 2, we are mindful they are having a digestive issue and potentially low B12.  

Looking at the entire picture is very important, a CBC with a differential blood test (a standard test) reveals the downstream impact of a B12 deficiency.  There are 3 markers that would suggest if you did in fact have a B12 deficiency; MCV (mean corpuscular volume) MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) and MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration). Another marker found in the serum test is uric acid; if it is low this may indicate a need for B12.  The best B12 is methyl cobalamin—avoid cyanocobalamin, a synthetic version.  Vegetarians and especially vegans are at a higher risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency because B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods.  

We also incorporate a pair of mitts that are connected to one of the modalities fondly enough used in our treatment protocol.  We turn the dial of the pair of mitts up to the highest level and place them on either the feet or hands.  A patient who has sensory loss typically does not feel electrical stimulation. I ask their permission to apply the mitts to their face and much to 95% plus of the neuropathy candidates are not able to feel the sensation and are figuratively “shocked” they could not feel it in their hands/feet.  If they have someone accompanying them, they are also surprised by lack of feeling.  

Patient Summary

B12 deficiency may contribute to neuropathy because nerves depend on B12 for protection, signaling, circulation support, and energy production. When B12 levels become deficient, nerve communication may become impaired, potentially contributing to tingling, burning, numbness, weakness, fatigue, and balance problems.

How We Treat B12 Related Neuropathy

First it to establish the fact a B12 deficiency may be one of many factors that are a part of the neuropathy condition.  B12 is important for nerve and red blood cell health.  By the time a potential B12 is identified it is an uphill battle to correct the multiple possibilities.  

First a red blood cell (RBC) has a life span of 120 day.  Not only do you have to determine the deficiency, but the next step is also to correct the one of many reasons.  We utilize a sublingual B12 in practice, the dosage is dependent on the blood test findings. 

Once we know the levels, the next step is to determine is this, dietary choice related, poor digestion, malabsorption and or lack of proper supplementation.  The protocol we use for the nerve healing aspect utilizes a comprehensive three tier approach gut restoration protocol, photo modulation light therapy and nerve regeneration.