Vitamins are chemical substances required by the body for normal growth and development. Vitamins D and B12 are two of a total of 13 vitamins that the body needs. Each vitamin has a specific function and an insufficient quantity of any vitamin will lead to a deficiency disease. The best way for a person to be sure of getting all required vitamins is to have a balanced diet that features a variety of foods.
Megaloblastic Anemia
In the March 1, 2003 issue of "American Family Physician," Drs. Robert C. Oh and David L. Brown state that one of the clinical signs of a deficiency of vitamin B12 is megaloblastic anemia. The health library of the Brigham and Women's Hospital defines megaloblastic anemia as a type of anemia that features very large and malformed red blood cells that are oval shaped instead of round. Because the red blood cells are malformed, they have a shorter life span relative to normal cells and the bone marrow produces fewer of them.
Symptoms of megaloblastic anemia include weak muscles, tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, nausea, decreased appetite, weight loss, lack of energy and fatigue, diarrhea, smooth and tender tongue and increased heart rate. The treatment for megaloblastic anemia depends upon the patient's age and general health, the extent of the disease and the doctor's opinion as to the likely course of the disease. It may include injections of vitamin B12.
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a disease that involves softening of the bones brought about by a deficiency of vitamin D. The disease is rooted in a defective bone-building process that results in bones that can fracture very easily because they lack sufficient hardness. To build strong bones, you need calcium and phosphate which you get through your diet. If your diet does not also provide enough vitamin D, then the body can't properly absorb the calcium and phosphate and osteomalacia results. Symptoms of osteomalacia include bone pain in the lower spine, pelvis and legs and muscle weakness which shows up as decreased muscle tone, weakness in the arms and legs and reduced ability to get around. The treatment usually involves oral vitamin D supplements for several months.
Subacute Combined Degeneration
"The New York Times" Health Guide explains that subacute combined degeneration is a disease that affects primarily the nerves of the spinal cord and comes about because of a deficiency of vitamin B12. It begins with the deterioration of the the myelin sheath that insulates the nerves and facilitates the transmission of nerve signals. Eventually it damages the entire nerve cell. Symptoms include feelings of numbness, weakness of the legs and arms, awkward movements, unsteady gait, changes in mental state and decreased vision. Treatment consists of intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 that are administered once a day for one week and then once a week for one month and finally once a month. Injections must continue for the rest of the patient's life so that symptoms do not recur.
References
- MedlinePlus: Vitamins
- "American Family Physician;" Vitamin B12 Deficiency; Drs. Robert C. Oh and David L. Brown; March 2003
- Brigham and Women's Hospital: Encyclopedia: Megaloblastic Anemia
- MayoClinic.com: Osteomalacia: Definition: Symptoms: Causes: Treatment and Drugs
- "The New York Times" Health Guide: Subacute Combined Degeneration
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