Some medical conditions, like pancreatitis, interfere with the body's ability to absorb and utilize nutrients necessary for health, including vitamin B-12. Without vitamins, minerals and proper nutrition, bodily processes may be impaired and health can suffer. If you have chronic pancreatitis, consult your doctor before using any vitamin supplements to see if they are safe and appropriate for your circumstances.
Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and does not resolve. Over time, the inflammation and symptoms get more severe and can cause permanent damage. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, digestive enzymes attack the pancreas and surrounding tissues, causing the associated pain and preventing nutrients from being properly absorbed. Chronic, excessive alcohol use is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis, explains NDDIC. Other causes include cystic fibrosis, hypercalcemia, hereditary pancreas problems and hyperlipidemia. Treatment for chronic pancreatitis can include hospitalization for hydration and nutrition purposes, synthetic pancreatic enzymes and dietary modifications.
Vitamin B-12
All eight B vitamins help the body convert food to glucose to obtain energy. These vitamins are necessary for healthy skin, hair and eyes, as well as healthy nervous system functioning. Cobalamin is another name for vitamin B-12, and this vitamin has other properties as well. Vitamin B-12 helps nerve cells stay healthy, aids in producing RNA and DNA and promotes better iron function in the body by regulating the formation of red blood cells, along with vitamin B-9, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Animal foods are the only dietary sources of B-12, including eggs, fish, dairy, pork and beef.
Vitamin B-12 and Pancreatitis
According to a 2011 study published in "Arquivos de Gastroenterologia," alcoholic individuals were found to have lower levels of vitamin B-12, including those alcoholics with chronic pancreatitis. A 2005 article in "Emergency Medicine" stated that up to 40 percent of patients with alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis had a B-12 deficiency, and almost all patients with chronic pancreatitis from cystic fibrosis were deficient. Supplementation with vitamin B-12 shots or oral supplements may be helpful to these patients, but more research needs to be done. If you have chronic pancreatitis, talk with your doctor to see if you may be deficient in vitamin B-12 and whether it needs to be addressed with supplements.
Warnings
Vitamin B-12 is not a treatment for chronic pancreatitis and should not replace any medications or guidelines your doctor has prescribed. Prior to consuming vitamin B-12, talk with your doctor to ensure that a B-12 supplement is safe and appropriate for you. This vitamin can interact with medications, so tell your doctor about all other supplements and drugs you are on, to avoid adverse interactions.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Pancreatitis; July 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
- "Arquivos de Gastroenterologia"; Nutritional Profile of Asymptomatic Alcoholic Patients; MB Sobral-Oliveira et al; 2011
- "Emergency Medicine"; Chronic Pancreatitis; N Hussain and B Karnath; 2005
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