One day a middle aged engineer came to to me complaining of decreased sensation in limbs, weakness since last few months. He had no previous history of any neurological disorder. Neither family history was suggestive. On systemic examination, nothing revealed. He was a pure vegetarian. He had even not taken milk or milk products.
I was very sure, the case might be vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is a B-complex type of vitamin present in non-vegeterian foods like meat,fish. It is synthesized by our gut bacteria that may last for few years. But it will be depleted in few years.
It has to be supplied through diet. The symptoms are usually neurological like numbness, pareshthesia,weakness later leading ataxia and spinal cord problems.
Its source is mainly animal. That’s why vegeterians are at risk of developing B12 deficiency at some stage of life.
But they can consume milk and milk products like yogurt,cheese. It can meet their daily recommended level of B12.
Some person even don’t take milk or milk products, putting themselves at risk of experiencing Vitamin B12 deficiency.
This blog intends to create health related awareness not to hurt someone for their dietary or religious habits.
