Vitamin B12 Deficiency and West Syndrome: An Uncommon but Preventable Cause of Neurological Disorder. Report on Three Cases, One of Them with Late Onset during Vitamin B12 Treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Pavone ◽  
Federica Sullo ◽  
Raffaele Falsaperla ◽  
Filippo Greco ◽  
Agustina Crespo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
West Syndrome ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Inborn Errors ◽  
Water Soluble Vitamin ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Somatic Diseases

AbstractVitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a fundamental role as an essential cofactor for two enzymes responsible for the production of succinyl-CoA and methionine. Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur in infants and may be related to the breastfeeding mother's adherence to a vegan diet or somatic diseases in the mother. It should be differentiated from inborn errors of vitamin B12 metabolism. Herein, we report the cases of three infants with West syndrome; all three were breastfed by mothers who followed a strict vegan diet. In one of the three infants, West syndrome developed during treatment with vitamin B12 and normalization of the vitamin B12 level. Early treatment and replacement therapy are worthwhile to prevent serious neurological problems and to improve the patient's clinical course.

scholarly journals Perspective: Practical Approach to Preventing Subclinical B12 Deficiency in Elderly Population

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1913
Author(s):  
Alessandra Vincenti ◽  
Laura Bertuzzo ◽  
Antonio Limitone ◽  
Giuseppe D’Antona ◽  
Hellas Cena
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Water Soluble Vitamin ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Inadequate Dietary Intake

Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a pivotal role for several physiologic functions during one’s lifespan. Only certain microorganisms are able to synthetize B12, thus humans obtain cobalamin exclusively from their diet, specifically from animal-derived foods. Specific sub-group populations are at risk of vitamin B12 subclinical deficiency due to different factors including poor intake of animal source foods and age-dependent decrease in the capacity of intestinal B12 uptake. Consumption of animal products produces some negative health issues and negatively impacts sustainability while a plant-based diet increases the risk of B12 deficiency. Taking a cue from the aforementioned considerations, this narrative review aims to summarize facts about B12 deficiency and the burden of inadequate dietary intake in elderly population, as well as to discuss sustainable approaches to vitamin B12 deficiency in aging population.

scholarly journals A case report on hyperpigmentation in vitamin B12 deficiency

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 1944
Author(s):  
Vivek Kumar Verma ◽  
V. Vijayavarman
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Megaloblastic Anemia ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Cutaneous Manifestations ◽  
Food Of Animal Origin ◽  
Water Soluble Vitamin ◽  
B12 Deficiency

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) is a water-soluble vitamin. Cobalamin is synthesized only by microorganisms. The only source of vitamin B12 for humans is food of animal origin. Hyperpigmentation of skin has been reported only rarely as the presenting manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency. We report a patient who had hyperpigmentation as her presenting medical complaint and in whom Vitamin B12 deficiency was the cause.  A 36-year-old female presented with generalised weakness and progressive and asymptomatic hyperpigmentation of hand and feet for 5 months. She is vegetarian by diet. On examination, hyperpigmentation was present over dorsal aspect of metacarpophalangeal, proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. Hyperpigmentation were present over dorsum of the foot and over the joints. The tongue was depaillated, and hyperpigmentation was present. Her serum level of vitamin B12 was diminished (83pg/ml). Megaloblastic anemia presents with protean manifestations. The association between vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperpigmentation, although unusual, has been described. Cutaneous manifestations associated with B12 deficiency include characteristic mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation (most common), vitiligo, angular cheilitis, and hair-nail changes. It mainly affects knuckle pads and oral mucosa. It is an under-recognized sign of megaloblastic anemia and should always be looked for in the setting of pallor. Hyperpigmentation could be the earliest manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency before anemia sets in. It is worthwhile to consider the possibility of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency in a patient with unexplained pigmentary changes. Early detection and adequate treatment will prevent anemia and various neurological manifestations.

scholarly journals Methylcobalamine (Vitamin B12): Water Soluble Vitamin with Various Pharmacological Aspect

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-137
Author(s):  
Roopesh Kumar Yadav ◽  
Sudhanshu Mishra ◽  
Deepti Jain
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Pernicious Anemia ◽  
Intrinsic Factor ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Pernicious Anaemia ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Oral Dosage ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Water Soluble Vitamin ◽  
B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in the brain's proper functioning and nervous system, in blood flow, and in reducing weakness and tiredness. In their food, most people get adequate vitamin B12, but in some health conditions (e.g. inadequate sleep, stomach/intestinal disorders, inflammation, cancer), there could be a shortage. If left unchecked, severe Vitamin B12 deficiency results in anemia and nerve damage. Vitamin B12 deficiency is typically treated using parenteral and oral dosage formulations, but absorption and compliance problems are involved with these routes of administration. Most significantly, the function of this missing intrinsic factor has been shown to assist in vitamin B12 absorption and a deficiency known as pernicious anaemia. Vitamin B12 is only partially absorbed when delivered by mouth to patients with pernicious anemia, but hematologically re-absorbed in patients with pernicious anemia. Parenteral administration of the extrinsic element will treat pernicious anaemia satisfactorily. There are several roles and advantages of vitamin B 12 in the human body with therapeutic effects also. Keywords: Water Soluble Vitamins, Methylcobalamine, Vitamin B12, Pernicious Anaemia.

scholarly journals Vitamin B12 deficiency: metabolic effects, clinical evaluation, and treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Synara Cavalcante Lopes ◽  
Daniel Duarte Gadelha ◽  
Manuela Dias de Carvalho ◽  
Virgínia Oliveira Fernandes ◽  
Renan Magalhães Montenegro Junior
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Body ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Treatments ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Composition Changes

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble essential micronutrient, required by all the body cells. Its deficiency has been implicated not only in hematological and neurological disorders, but also in many metabolic processes, such as insulin resistance and body composition changes, which have aroused particular interest in recent years. This study reviews the physiology of vitamin B12 from its digestion and absorption to its distribution in tissues, metabolic effects and controversies regarding the diagnosis of deficiency, and to dietary and pharmacological treatments.

scholarly journals West Syndrome in an Infant With Vitamin B12 Deficiency Born to Autoantibodies Positive Mother

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pin Fee Chong ◽  
Masaru Matsukura ◽  
Kaoru Fukui ◽  
Yoriko Watanabe ◽  
Naomichi Matsumoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
West Syndrome ◽  
Positive Mother ◽  
B12 Deficiency

scholarly journals A Preventable Cause of Hypotonia in Infants: Case Report of Two Infants with Vitamin B12 Deficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-51
Author(s):  
Akhrif M ◽  
Saghir S ◽  
Kmari M ◽  
Ourrai A ◽  
Hassani A ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Cortical Atrophy ◽  
Neurological Damage ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
High Level

Introduction: Innate deficits in the metabolism or transport of vitamin B12 are exceptional. The main cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in infants is secondary to maternal deficiency. Maternal deficiency can have a vegan diet, low socio-economic level (developing countries) and a high level of development with a poor diet) or digestive pathologies responsible for a lack of absorption. The clinical signs are not very specific (developmental delay, pallor, hypotonia, vomiting and diarrhoea), which explains the frequent delay in diagnosis. The pathophysiology of the neurological damage, which is still uncertain, is thought to be secondary to a defect in myelination with altered nerve conduction and cortical atrophy. The aim of this work is to underline the importance of raising awareness of vitamin B12 deficiency in order to avoid its profound neurological repercussions, especially as substitution treatment allows an improvement or a reversibility of the neurological damage and raises the question of the possibility of screening new-borns. Materials and Methods: We report the case of two infants aged 6 months and 10 months with hypotonia and psychomotor regression from an early age, whose biological examination revealed pancytopenia with a collapsed vitamin B12 level in both infants and both mothers.

scholarly journals OVERCOMING VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN VEGAN DIET

2014 ◽  
Vol 04 (01) ◽  
pp. 104-105
Author(s):  
Prassanna Baby ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Higher Plants ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Daily Diet ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B 12 ◽  
Micro Organisms ◽  
Dietary Deficiency

Abstract:Vitamin B12 is a crystalline compound essential to a number of micro-organisms and animals, including humans. So far as is known it is not present in higher plants. Pure vegetarian food is nearly free from vit. B12. It is a nutrient that needs attention in vegan diet. Vegetarians are at risk for vitamin B(12) (B12) deficiency due to suboptimal intake. Dietary deficiency of vitamin B12 due to vegetarianism is increasing and causes hyperhomocysteinemia Areas for research include intermittent vitamin B12 supplement dosing and better measurements of the bioavailability of B12 in fermented vegetarian foods and algae. The goal of the present literature review was to create an awareness among the vegans to identify the vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12 and to incorporate them into their daily diet.

scholarly journals VITAMIN DEFICIENCY AND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 540-552
Author(s):  
Saad Fahad Aldaihani
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin Deficiency ◽  
Megaloblastic Anaemia ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
And Function ◽  
Harmful Effects

Vitamins are a heterogeneous group of organic compounds that help ensure the human bodys wellbeing and function. This paper introduces the importance of all vitamins, both water-soluble and fat-soluble, as well as problems deriving from their deficiency. Additionally, vitamin supplements as part of treating vitamin deficiency, and possible harmful effects on the human body areshowcased. The main focus of the paper is on the vitamin B complex, and vitamin B12 specifically. The benefits of vitamin B12, as well as its action in the human body and the noxious effects of any lack of vitamin B12 in the human body, are also discussed. Some of the health conditionsan individual may need to face when they have vitamin B12 deficiency include neural tube defects, Alzheimers disease, depression, and megaloblastic anaemia, which are also introduced and further discussed, in terms of symptomatology, causes and suggested treatment. The toxicity of vitamin B12 is also introduced, and possible causes for vitamin B12 deficiency are showcased.

scholarly journals Un bambino che non mangia… e non sta seduto

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 157-157
Author(s):  
Giulia Trippella ◽  
Jessica Iacopelli
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Growth Arrest ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Somatic Growth ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Food Refusal ◽  
Severe Vitamin ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B12 Supplementation

The Authors describe the case of an 11-month-old infant with severe vitamin B12 deficiency consequent to a strict vegan diet followed by the mother during pregnancy and to a strictly vegan weaning. The child presented with food refusal, somatic growth arrest and seriously compromised maturational patterns. The encephalic MR showed a marked white matter atrophy. Symptoms improved after vitamin B12 supplementation.

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