Kelly.oconnor: Created

2025-05-07T21:34:55Z

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== What Does It Mean? ==
Vitamin B12 and folate (B9) are essential nutrients for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neurological function. A deficiency in either can lead to anemia, neurological impairments, and elevated homocysteine levels, which increase cardiovascular risk.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Poor Dietary Intake – Low consumption of animal products (B12) or leafy greens and legumes (folate).
* Malabsorption Disorders – Conditions like pernicious anemia, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease impair absorption.
* Methylation Dysfunction – Genetic mutations (MTHFR polymorphisms) can impact folate metabolism.
* Chronic Alcohol Use – Depletes folate stores and impairs B12 absorption.
* Medications – Proton pump inhibitors, metformin, and certain anticonvulsants interfere with absorption.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Fatigue and weakness
* Numbness and tingling (neuropathy)
* Memory impairment and mood disturbances
* Glossitis (inflamed tongue)
* Pale skin and shortness of breath
* Elevated homocysteine levels, increasing cardiovascular risk

== Lab Test Findings ==
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Change'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Folate, Serum (Folic Acid)
|Decreased
|15.00-27.00 ng/mL
|-
|Reticulocyte Number
|Decreased
|0.04-0.13 million/µL
|-
|MCH
|Increased
|28.00-31.90 pg
|-
|MCHC
|Normal
|32.00-35.00 g/dL
|-
|MCV
|Increased
|82.00-89.90 fL
|-
|Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)
|Increased
|0.00-260.00 nmol/L
|-
|Neutrophil %
|Decreased
|48.00-60.00 %
|-
|RBC (Male)
|Decreased
|4.20-4.90 million/µL
|-
|Uric Acid
|Increased
|3.50-5.40mg/dL
|-
|Vitamin B12
|Decreased
|545.00-11000 pg/mL
|-
|WBC
|Decreased
|5.5-7.5 thousand/µL
|-
|Hemoglobin
|Decreased
|13.50-14.50 g/dL
|-
|Homocysteine
|Increased
|5.00-7.20 umol/L
|-
|Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
|Increased
|140.00-200.00 IU/L
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===
Correcting vitamin B12 and folate deficiency involves improving dietary intake, enhancing absorption, and targeted supplementation.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita B Methyl
|Provides bioavailable methylated B12 and folate to support energy and cognitive function
|1 capsule without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Increase Dietary Intake: Consume B12-rich foods (eggs, meat, fish) and folate-rich foods (leafy greens, legumes).
* Optimize Gut Health: Address malabsorption with probiotics and digestive enzymes.
* Reduce Alcohol Consumption: Minimize alcohol intake to support nutrient absorption.
* Monitor and Manage Methylation: Consider genetic testing (MTHFR) for personalized methylation support.

Vitamin B12 / Folate Deficiency - Revision history

Kelly.oconnor: Created