I’ve blogged on B12 deficiency in the past, but it’s important to emphasize that under diagnosing B12 deficiency can lead to chronic symptoms that include autistic behaviors and or seizure disorders. I’ve spoken with hundreds of parents that state when their young children exhibit symptoms of seizures, doctors will explore B6 (Pyridoxine) deficiency and maybe even folate deficiency (although mainstream is just catching up with this research) but B12 deficiency is rarely looked for.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), learning disorders, speech, language and comprehension delays can also be a result of B12 deficiency. Seizures are also a result of B12 deficiency as well as colic and gastroenterology symptoms.
Interestingly, in the article “Pediatric Vitamin B12 Deficiency: When Autism Isn’t Autism” the author shares that an adults normal storage level in their liver is 2500mcg and that infants when born utilize about 25mcg of B12. However, if the mother
However, if the mother (ie, vegetarianism, autoimmune pernicious anemia, celiac disease, Helicobacter pylori, Crohn’s disease, gastric bypass, partial ileectomy, eating disorders, or use of proton-pump inhibitors, histamine2 blockers, metformin, or nitrous oxide [or abuse]) or who are exclusively breast-fed may have significantly less stored B12 and can develop a deficiency within the first year of life.
It’s critical to have B12 levels assessed with a qualified practitioner or with a medical doctor that’s willing to test. Testing methylmalonic acid in the urine is the best indicator. Often times B12 levels tested in the blood are inaccurate. I’ve even seen high levels of serum B12 levels only to discover that a functional deficiency actually exists.
Bringing much light,
Lynn
