Vitamin B12 Taken Nasally Can Help Patients Starve off Anemia After Weight Reduction Surgery
New Way to Treat Form Vitamin B12 Deficiency
(PRWEB) September 23, 2004 -- Administering Vitamin B12 over long periods
after weight reduction surgery for the morbidly obese helps starve off anemia
because the body’s ability to absorb nutrients may be compromised, according to
Dr. Shawn Garber from the New York Bariatric Group in New York.
Anemia
can occur if the body is not absorbing B12 through diet. Nascobal®, a
prescription nasal vitamin B12 supplement, can make maintenance easier.
"Bariatric surgery is associated with great weight loss because it
reduces the stomach’s size, but it can also compromise the body’s ability to
absorb nutrients through the intestines" says Dr. Garber, who adds that
long-term follow up after surgery is essential, as serious vitamin and mineral
deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12, may result when the body is not
absorbing this nutrient.
Vitamin B12’s functions are formulating new red
blood cells and maintaining the nervous system. Symptoms may include fatigue,
weakness, sore tongue, tingling in the limbs, and difficulty walking. Prolonged
B12 deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological
damage.
“For post gastric bypass patients, a simple oral vitamin is not
enough since their body is not capable of absorbing the benefits,” says Dr.
Garber. “To prevent irreversible damage, patients may need to get Vitamin B12
for life.”
Nascobal® from Questcor Pharmaceuticals is a painless option
for patients. It is a prescription nasal vitamin B12, that is taken once a week.
Nascobal is absorbed through the nasal tissues and distributed by the blood to
the rest of the body. Most people using Nascobal experience no side effects.
Reactions that may occur infrequently include headaches, nausea and
rhinitis.
“Not having to endure monthly doctor visits for Vitamin B12
shots is a good benefit for patients, and since they can administer Nascobal
themselves, patients are more apt to stick with the regime and be proactive with
their health,” says Dr. Garber.
With obesity rates reaching epidemic
proportions — currently, more than 14 million Americans are morbidly obese —
demand for surgery is soaring. According to the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), the number of surgeries topped 120,000 in 2003.
“Any patient
undergoing or planning weight reduction surgery should discuss Vitamin B12
deficiency with their doctor,” says Dr. Garber.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/9/prweb160918.htm