Tag: Subacute combined degeneration

Approximately 6% of people under 60 and 20% over 60 in Western populations may have vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition that occurs when the body lacks sufficient cobalamin. When deficient, this essential nutrient can cause severe health issues by impacting the nervous system and red blood cell production.

Recreational use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as whippits, has seen an alarming rise in recent years. While often perceived as a harmless high, heavy or chronic abuse of whippits can cause a serious and potentially irreversible functional B12 deficiency.

According to research, a significant portion of the population, especially older adults and those with certain dietary restrictions, may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition known to cause a wide spectrum of neurological issues, including ataxia. The absence of this critical nutrient can disrupt nervous system function, leading to a loss of physical coordination and balance.

According to recent research, vitamin B12 deficiency is a modifiable risk factor impacting neurological health. In response to the question, **can B12 deficiency cause lesions?**, the answer is yes, as its critical role in nerve tissue and myelin sheath integrity means that when compromised, it can lead to serious and potentially irreversible neurological damage.

The body can store a significant amount of vitamin B12 in the liver, often lasting for 3 to 5 years before deficiency symptoms appear. However, once the nervous system is impacted, the question of **how long before B12 deficiency is irreversible?** becomes critically important, as permanent damage can occur after several months to a year of persistent, untreated neurological symptoms.

According to research, a deficiency in vitamin B12 is a notable cause of neurological disorders, including demyelination of the nervous system. This nutritional shortfall can have profound effects, raising the critical question: **Can low B12 cause demyelination?**