Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Vitamin B Deficiency

About 2 weeks ago I went to the doctor complaining of hair loss and tingling in my hands and feet.  The doctor ordered blood tests and confirmed that I have a vitamin B deficiency.  My ANA also came back positive.  I was told to take a complex B vitamin and also go see a rheumatologist.  Since taking the vitamins I am still having all of these symptoms and am now worried that the doctor might be right about thinking I have lupus.  I am scared and am hoping that these problems are just coming from my lack of vitamin B.  

My question is how long before the vitamins will be built up in my body?  I know these are water soluble vitamins and I am taking them every day.  Should I try to get a vitamin B shot?  Would this help?  I can't get in to see the rheumatologist for some time and I am freaking out.  Help!

Thanks :)
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
a vitamin b def will cause all your symptoms.  I have a vit b-12 def and I get shots once a month.  You can follow up with a blood specialist, and see what he says.  I also have a pos ANA test, but I have some auto immune diseases that run in the family so that would make my test come out pos even tho I show no symptoms of anything.  And an ANA test doesn't mean necessarliy you have Lupus, that test is also used to diagnose other auto immune disordres as well, and from what I'm told, most if are very treatable.  If your not showing other symptoms, I would go back to your dr and ask for a referral to a blood specialist.  to get a better course of action.  As far as the b-complex, try and take the liquid or sublingual, they work MUCH better.  But they will take time,

My hematologist has told me that once your b-12 levels are depleted, you almost can never build them up with supplements or food, but I've had gastric bypass surgery, we are prone to b deficiency's b/c of where it's absorbed in the gastro tract.  So I will forever need a b12 shot. not a big deal, once a month, in and out.

if you go to a rhumatoid dr, make sure the blood lab they use is in your insurance plan, the one my dr used isn't, and I'm fighting a 500 out of network fee with the lab. :(  uuggghh  and I have a ppo insur so I don't need referals to anyone.

good luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've never heard of Vit. B-complex as being a solution for hair loss...your test probably did show a Vit.B deficiency, but I'm doubtful that it is a cause of the 'folicle depletion'; probably more related to the nerve tingling in the hands and feet...Vit. B-complex is typically associated with nerves, skin, hair, liver, mouth and healthy muscle tone in the gastorintestional tract and proper brain function.
Vitamin supplementation usually takes weeks, even months to remedy any related issues; depending on the individual's physical state; if Lupus is suspected, consider Calcium, Magnesium, L-cystiene, L-methionine, L-lysine and Proleolytic Enzymes..
Lupus (meaning 'wolf') because many people with Lupus develp a butterfly shaped rash over the fcheeks and nose, thus giving a 'wolf' like appearance.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Nutrition Community

Top Healthy Living Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
14 super-healthy foods that are worth the hype
Small changes make a big impact with these easy ways to cut hundreds of calories a day.
Forget the fountain of youth – try flossing instead! Here are 11 surprising ways to live longer.
From STD tests to mammograms, find out which screening tests you need - and when to get them.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.