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 bodys 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 stomachs size, but it can also compromise the bodys 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 B12s 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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