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Treatment with vitamin B12 injections significantly improved his condition. This case emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to recognize the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency early, particularly in resource-limited settings, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Upon investigation, he was diagnosed with pernicious anemia, a condition that can cause a range of symptoms due to the body’s inability to produce intrinsic factor, crucial for vitamin B12 absorption. After starting parenteral methylcobalamin therapy, we observed significant improvements in his symptoms, highlighting how effective vitamin B12 can be in managing this disorder.
This case emphasizes the need for awareness and timely diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency among healthcare providers, especially in resource-limited settings. Such proactive management can lead to recovery and improved quality of life for those affected.
During our examination, we discovered symptoms indicative of cerebellar ataxia, along with a red and swollen limb that pointed toward deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The tests revealed severe macrocytic anemia and confirmed a deficiency in vitamin B12 while keeping folate levels normal. Following a thorough diagnosis—including gastroscopy, ultrasound, and blood tests—we initiated a treatment plan that included vitamin B12 supplementation and anticoagulant therapy.
The outcome of our intervention was promising, with significant clinical improvement observed in the patient’s condition. Our findings reinforce the essential role of vitamin B12 in managing this type of autoimmune disorder, particularly when neurological and cardiovascular complications arise.
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Upon starting vitamin B12 supplementation, these patients showed nearly complete resolution of their symptoms, highlighting the potential benefits of this vitamin in treating related health issues. Interestingly, several participants did not display obvious deficiencies in vitamin B12 levels according to lab tests, suggesting that even those who appear to have sufficient levels could still benefit from supplementation.
Furthermore, we delved into research indicating the nerve-protective properties of vitamin B12, which could play a crucial role in managing pain and neuropathy associated with long-standing rheumatic diseases. Therefore, we recommend that healthcare providers consider checking vitamin B12 levels early in the diagnostic journey for autoimmune conditions, and think about offering supplementation regardless of laboratory findings.
Treatment with vitamin B12 injections significantly improved his condition. This case emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to recognize the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency early, particularly in resource-limited settings, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) led to substantial improvement in his symptoms. This case highlights the importance of recognizing potential nutrient deficiencies, especially those impacting autoimmune disorders like GBS and autoimmune gastritis.
Upon investigation, he was diagnosed with pernicious anemia, a condition that can cause a range of symptoms due to the body’s inability to produce intrinsic factor, crucial for vitamin B12 absorption. After starting parenteral methylcobalamin therapy, we observed significant improvements in his symptoms, highlighting how effective vitamin B12 can be in managing this disorder.
This case emphasizes the need for awareness and timely diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency among healthcare providers, especially in resource-limited settings. Such proactive management can lead to recovery and improved quality of life for those affected.
As part of his treatment, we utilized intravenous immunoglobulin alongside methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12. What was particularly interesting is that while the immunoglobulin treatment is typically aimed at addressing GBS, vitamin B12 was also administered to combat the neurological effects stemming from the deficiency due to AIG.
Our findings revealed that following these treatments, the patient showed significant clinical improvement before discharge. However, it's crucial to note that while vitamin B12 is commonly understood to aid neurological functions, the specific impact of its isolated use in this case remains unclear without additional studies focusing solely on its effectiveness in autoimmune disorders like GBS.
Overall, the integration of vitamin B12 treatment, particularly in the context of GBS and AIG, opens up discussions about managing similar cases in the future, although further research is necessary to firmly establish its benefits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues, believing them to be foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. This reaction can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired function of the affected organs. There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes, each with its own specific symptoms and treatment options. The exact cause of these disorders is still unclear, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors is believed to play a role in their development.
Diagnosis of autoimmune disorders often involves a combination of physical examinations, assessment of symptoms, blood tests, and imaging studies to evaluate organ involvement. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and controlling the immune response using medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics. In addition to medication, lifestyle modifications, such as stress management and a balanced diet, can be beneficial in managing symptoms. If you suspect you have an autoimmune condition, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and tailored treatment options.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in several vital functions in the human body. It is essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Naturally occurring in animal products, the vitamin can be found in high concentrations in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, making it particularly important for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as plant-based sources of B12 are limited and often require supplementation.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to serious health issues, including anemia, fatigue, memory problems, and nerve damage. Due to its significance, it's crucial for individuals, particularly those at risk of deficiency, to ensure adequate intake through diet or supplementation. For most adults, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is around 2.4 micrograms, though pregnant or breastfeeding women may require higher amounts. If you're considering B12 supplements, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best option for your specific needs and health status.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report noticing improvements in their autoimmune disorder symptoms within a week of starting B12 supplements. One reviewer specifically mentioned feeling a difference after just seven days of consistent use, stating that it helped ease symptoms such as mouth ulcers and fatigue (Read Review). Another user observed positive impacts on their health analyses over a period of use, indicating a significant improvement, although the exact timeframe wasn't detailed (Read Review).
While results may vary from person to person, it's clear that many users experience noticeable benefits relatively quickly. If you are considering B12 supplements for an autoimmune disorder, a week might be a good timeframe to start evaluating any changes in your symptoms. Additionally, some reviewers emphasized the importance of consistent use for optimal results (Read Review).
The evidence surrounding the use of vitamin B12 as a supplement for managing autoimmune disorders is growing, albeit still in the formative stages. Studies indicate that vitamin B12 deficiencies can influence the severity of certain autoimmune conditions, such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and autoimmune gastritis. For instance, research found that monitoring vitamin B levels in GBS patients could be critical for assessing prognosis, with deficiencies linked to more severe symptoms [1]. Furthermore, when patients with pernicious anemia—a type of autoimmune disorder—receive B12 treatment, significant improvements in symptoms can often be observed [2]; this highlights the potential impact vitamin B12 can have on autoimmune-related health issues.
However, it's essential to note that while vitamin B12 appears to aid in managing symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders, its direct isolative effects remain unclear. Some studies suggest that even with normal serum levels, patients may still experience symptoms due to complexities in absorption and the presence of autoantibodies that hinder B12 uptake [14]. While vitamin B12 may play a complementary role in the comprehensive management of autoimmune disorders, further investigations and clinical trials are needed to delineate its precise benefits and potential as a standalone treatment.
Based on user reviews, many individuals have reported significant improvements in their symptoms related to autoimmune disorders after starting B12 supplements. For instance, one user experienced relief from mouth ulcers and fatigue just one week into their supplementation regimen, indicating a rapid response to the vitamin (Read Review). Another reviewer noted positive changes in health analyses for their mother, which suggests that B12 might be contributing not only to subjective symptom relief but also to measurable health improvements (Read Review).
Individual results may vary, and while some users find considerable benefits, it's important to note that factors such as consistency of use can influence outcomes. One reviewer emphasized that B12 deficiency can lead to fatigue and pain, further reinforcing the notion that appropriate supplementation could alleviate these symptoms over time (Read Review). If considering B12 for an autoimmune condition, starting a supplement routine and monitoring changes in symptoms over a few weeks might provide helpful insights.
Users report various positive outcomes from taking B12 supplements in relation to treating autoimmune disorders. One user noted a significant improvement in symptoms such as mouth ulcers and fatigue after just one week of use, suggesting that B12 could be effective in alleviating these issues associated with their condition (Read Review). Another review highlighted that a doctor's advice led to a noticeable improvement in health through the use of B12, although the user mentioned that the taste of the pill was not favorable (Read Review).
While specific dosage amounts were not frequently discussed in the reviews, one user expressed that a deficiency in B12 can lead to increased fatigue and pain, implicitly advocating for supplementation as a solution (Read Review). Overall, the feedback points towards the potential benefits of B12 supplements in the management of autoimmune disorders, although precise dosing recommendations remain unclear from the collected reviews.
However, while vitamin B levels seemed to offer insight into GBS prognosis, elevated CK-NAC levels did not show a significant correlation with disease severity. This points towards the importance of monitoring vitamin B as a potential prognostic tool in managing GBS.
Thanks to treatment with B12 injections, we observed significant improvement in her neurological symptoms. This case illustrates the need for thorough evaluations in patients with non-specific symptoms, as addressing vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to meaningful improvements—even when classic signs are absent.
This autoantibody hampers the cellular uptake of vitamin B12, leading to strikingly low levels of the vitamin in the cerebrospinal fluid, even when serum levels appeared normal. Despite the challenges posed by the presence of this autoantibody, treatment with high-dose vitamin B12 and immunosuppressants showed promising results, as we observed increased levels of B12 in cerebrospinal fluid and notable clinical improvement in patients.
Our findings also indicated that similar autoantibodies appeared in other patients suffering from unexplained neurologic conditions, making vitamin B12 deficiency a key factor worth exploring in such cases. However, despite the elevated levels of vitamin B12 observed in cerebrospinal fluid post-treatment, the patients initially showed no signs of typical hematologic vitamin B12 deficiency.
This study sheds light on the complex nature of vitamin B12 transport in the body, revealing a potential avenue for treating autoimmune neurologic disorders through focused immunomodulatory therapy and vitamin supplementation.
References
- Jatav VS, Sardana V, Bhushan B, Maheshwari D, Garg S, et al. Correlation of Serum Vitamin B and Muscle Enzyme (CK-NAC) Level with Severity of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Its Prediction in Respiratory Failure. J Assoc Physicians India. 2025;73:48. doi:10.59556/japi.73.0892
- Mesgarankarimi A, Rezapour M, Tabrizi N. A long-standing undiagnosed case of vitamin B12 deficiency: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2025;19:151. doi:10.1186/s13256-025-05149-7
- Ma XY, Hao Y, Xie YH, Cao Q, Sun DF, et al. Risk Factors Analysis and Predictive Model Construction for Autoimmune Gastritis: A Nationwide Multicenter Case-Control Study in China. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025. doi:10.1111/jgh.16912
- Mswelo VE, David MM, Banturaki A, Munyambalu DK, Hassan HA, et al. Rural health challenges in Western Uganda: pernicious anemia masquerading as recurrent lower limb weakness-a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2025;19:60. doi:10.1186/s13256-025-05095-4
- Xiang H, Cai M. Coexistence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord Due to Autoimmune Gastritis: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus. 2024;16:e63084. doi:10.7759/cureus.63084
- Pluvinage JV, Ngo T, Fouassier C, McDonagh M, Holmes BB, et al. Transcobalamin receptor antibodies in autoimmune vitamin B12 central deficiency. Sci Transl Med. 2024;16:eadl3758. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.adl3758
- Ma XY, Hao Y, Xie YH, Cao Q, Sun DF, et al. Risk Factors Analysis and Predictive Model Construction for Autoimmune Gastritis: A Nationwide Multicenter Case-Control Study in China. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025. doi:10.1111/jgh.16912
- Mswelo VE, David MM, Banturaki A, Munyambalu DK, Hassan HA, et al. Rural health challenges in Western Uganda: pernicious anemia masquerading as recurrent lower limb weakness-a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2025;19:60. doi:10.1186/s13256-025-05095-4
- Subtil J, Carvalho R, Rebelo AF, Subtil P. Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 3: A Case Report. Cureus. 2024;16:e76152. doi:10.7759/cureus.76152
- Mansour M, Shamasnah A, Alsaadi D, Abu Saif S, Krama A. Evans syndrome as a presentation in systemic lupus erythematous, coexisting with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and pernicious anemia: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2024;18:643. doi:10.1186/s13256-024-05002-3
- Hijjawi N, Tout FS, Azaizeh B, Aljaafreh B. The role of vitamins D, B12, C, and K in modulating inflammation and disease management in rheumatoid arthritis: a comprehensive review. Clin Rheumatol. 2025;44:591. doi:10.1007/s10067-024-07285-9
- Lang C, Huang P, Gao J, Chen Y, He Z. Co-existence of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3b and undifferentiated connective tissue disease with subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord in children: a case report and literature review. BMC Pediatr. 2024;24:817. doi:10.1186/s12887-024-05262-4
- Xiang H, Cai M. Coexistence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord Due to Autoimmune Gastritis: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus. 2024;16:e63084. doi:10.7759/cureus.63084
- Pluvinage JV, Ngo T, Fouassier C, McDonagh M, Holmes BB, et al. Transcobalamin receptor antibodies in autoimmune vitamin B12 central deficiency. Sci Transl Med. 2024;16:eadl3758. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.adl3758
- Haddad F, Boukhal Z, El Rhaoussi FZ, Tahiri M, Hliwa W, et al. Neurological and Cardiovascular Complications Revealing Biermer's Disease: A Case Report. Cureus. 2024;16:e58601. doi:10.7759/cureus.58601
- Fernandez I, Touzot F. Looking for ALPS: The value of a combined assessment of biochemical markers. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2024;35:e14135. doi:10.1111/pai.14135
- Yamada H, Toko M, Nakamori M, Ueno H, Aoki S, et al. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: longitudinal observation of lymphocytes, JC virus in cerebrospinal fluid, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. J Neurovirol. 2024;30:197. doi:10.1007/s13365-024-01203-0
- Yang CW, Hsu HY, Lee YZ, Lee SJ. Vitamin B12 inhibits peptidylarginine deiminases and ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis in CAIA mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2024;704:149668. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149668
- Dułak NA, Rytlewska M, Jaskólska M, Chmielewski M. A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review. Rheumatol Int. 2024;44:737. doi:10.1007/s00296-024-05539-y
