Lupus is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs when your immune system attacks your own tissues and organs, according to MayoClinic. Inflammation caused by lupus can cause damage to kidneys, joints, skin, blood cells, heart and lungs. Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, can occur in any part of the digestive tract. Vitamin B12 is useful in preventing fatigue in patients with lupus and Crohn's disease.
Vitamin B12 for Lupus and Crohn's Disease
Lupus and Crohn's disease can cause fatigue and weakness. Vitamin B12 may be useful in providing extra energy to patients with lupus and Crohn's disease. B12 and other B vitamins help the body produce energy from foods; therefore deficiencies in B vitamins lead to weakness and lack of energy. B12 is also useful in production of healthy red blood cells, which helps prevent fatigue by increasing oxygenated blood in tissues and body organs. B12 is naturally found in animal foods such as beef liver, meat, eggs, fish, shellfish and milk.
Symptoms & Treatment of Lupus
Symptoms of lupus depend on the body system affected by the disease.General symptoms of lupus include fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, joint stiffness and swelling, mouth sores, hair loss, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, dry eyes, shortness of breath, chest pain, easy bruising, anxiety, memory loss and depression, according to MayoClinic. Treatment of lupus also depends on signs and symptoms of the disease. Drugs used to treat lupus include antimalarials drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and immunosuppresive drugs.
Symptoms & Treatment of Crohn's Disease
Patients with Crohn's disease may experience symptoms such as fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, lower left abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, pain with passing stool, persistent watery diarrhea, constipation, joint pain, liver inflammation, eye inflammation, mouth ulcers, fistulas around the rectal area, bloody stool, skin ulcers, swollen gums and unintentional weight loss, according to PubMedHealth. Crohn's disease treatments may include fiber supplements, antidiarrheals, corticosteroids, antibiotics and pain medications. Crohn's is also treated using dietary modifications such as low-fiber diets when needed to avoid intestinal blockage.
Vitamin B12 Admnistration
Vitamin B12 is available in form of tablets, capsules, injections and liquid gel. Oral forms of B12 are taken together with foods. B12 injections are usually administered at the doctor's office. B12 injections are more suitable for patients with severe B12 deficiency and also for patients with stomach conditions that hinder absorption of the vitamin, advises the Office of Dietary Supplements. B12 shots are delivered directly into the bloodstream and may cause severe allergic reactions. Vitamin B12 supplements may cause common side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, headache, joint pain, and pain and redness at injection site.
