Chemotherapy, the use of powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells and prevent the spread of cancer, can have many side effects, such as fatigue, numbness, and tingling or mental confusion. And a vitamin B12 deficiency could worsen these and other symptoms.
B12 plays a crucial role in energy and the ability to build new blood cells. Normal values can range from 160 to 950 picograms per milliliter. Deficit can be considered even at an extreme lower than that range; below about 170 to 250 pg / ml is considered a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Most adults should consume about 2.4 micrograms of this vitamin a day, about the amount in an 85-gram serving of canned tuna. However, if you are receiving chemotherapy treatment or if you are anemic, it may be more necessary to prevent a B12 deficiency. If you need an extra during chemotherapy, a B12 injection, rather than an oral supplement, may be a good candidate.
Here are three ways that this micronutrient can potentially help people receiving chemotherapy.
Improves energy
Since chemotherapy destroys rapidly growing or multiplying cells, even healthy cells, it can lower your total red blood cell count, which can make you feel tired. Since vitamin B12 is crucial in the production of red blood cells, deficiency can further increase fatigue.
B12 is one of those vitamins that makes patients feel good. Often, supplementing with this will help patients feel better and increase energy. B12 supplements can increase the production of red blood cells, helping to improve symptoms associated with fatigue.
Healthier nerves
Chemotherapy can damage nerve tissue called peripheral neuropathy , which can lead to pain, tingling, and numbness, especially in the hands and feet. Chemotherapy peripheral neuropathy can last for months, years, or even the rest of life.
Some research suggests that vitamin B supplements may help prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, but more research is needed to determine how well it works and how much to take.
Clearer thinking
Many patients will experience brain fog, sometimes called the ” chemotherapy brain, ” during this treatment. This can involve problems with concentration and memory, both during and after treatment.
Supplementing with vitamin B12 has long been thought to improve cognitive function. However, the science has not been very conclusive to date and more studies are needed to assess the overall effect of B12 on brain fog.
