Myasthenia gravis or MG is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes weakening of your body muscles. MG is caused by the breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles. The muscle weakness caused by MG worsens with activity and improves with rest. There is no cure for MG, but treatment can help relieve signs and symptoms. The doctor may recommend vitamin B-12 supplements if you develop pernicious anemia.
Vitamin B-12 and Myasthenia Gravis
Pernicious anemia is a complication of MG,according to MayoClinic.com. Pernicious anemia is the decrease in red blood cells that occurs when your body cannot absorb vitamin B-12 from the gastrointestinal tract. MG causes weakness of stomach muscles, which interferes with the proper digestion and absorption of foods rich in vitamin B-12. MG also causes chewing and swallowing difficulties, which leads to decreased intake of foods rich in vitamin B-12. Your doctor may recommend weekly or monthly vitamin B-12 shots to treat B-12 deficiency and pernicious anemia.
Vitamin B-12 Supplements
Vitamin B-12 shots are usually administered at the doctor's office. B-12 shots are more suitable for treating vitamin B-12 deficiency than oral tablets because of fast absorption. You may experience mild pain and irritation at injection site, dizziness, headache and upset stomach after receiving B-12 shots. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, breathing problems, wheezing, swelling of your face, tongue and throat, rashes and hives and rapid heart rate.
Natural Sources of Vitamin B-12
Eating foods rich in vitamin B-12 can help prevent pernicious anemia. You can obtain vitamin B-12 from foods such as beef liver, lean red meat, fish, chicken, milk, yogurt, shell fish, salmon and fortified breakfast cereals. Try and adjust your eating routine to a time period when you have good muscle strength. Eat small meals that are easy to chew and swallow.
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
Symptoms of MG include weakness of arm or leg muscles, chronic muscle fatigue, drooping eyelids, double vision, blurred vision, slurred speech, voice hoarseness, breathing problems due to weakness of the chest wall muscles, speech difficulties, drooling, drooping head, facial paralysis, chewing and swallowing problems, according to PubMedHealth. MG can cause respiratory failure if muscles that control breathing become too weak.
