This is a very interesting question. I did some research as I am being treated by this too, and learned that one to two percent of people of European origin have read hair and that Vitamin b12 is one of the few vitamins Mayo Clinic recommends for older adults. I went to Google Scholar to see if there are any medical studies on your question and got zero results. When I used regular Google, I found some unscientific results, but nothing about your question. The National Institute of Health had an article about conditions associated with pale skin, but it has no answer to your question. When I posed the question “who is most likely to have vitamins b12 deficiency” the answer was people who don’t eat enough Vitamin B12 foods people who have trouble digesting it. Perhaps someone else can jump in.
I have a B12 deficiency. i take a tablet daily to keep my levels up. I have red hair or did before I had to color the grey. It also has an impact on getting novocaine at the dentist and some other interesting facts re anesthesia and red hair. Novocaine for me must be injected slowly, wait a while for it to take effect, and then keep an eye on it because it can run out fast too. I also have problems with the substance used to dilate my eyes. It takes a long time for them to dilate and hours to "undilate". I don't know if the eyes issue is unique to me or not but red heads and anesthesia has been written about. I must look into that B12 issue.
A study by McGill University in 2003 proved that redheaded women could tolerate pain by up to 25 percent more than people with other hair colours and that they’re harder to sedate. Medical Daily reports redheads also need 20 per cent more anaesthesia than others. Dr Karan notes in a comment, "The link between red hair & pain sensitivity isn't fully understood so some might have a greater pain sensitivity - but important before surgery!" A fellow doctor wrote, "They always need more anesthesia for dental surgery! At least that's what 23 years of practice taught me."
@leezah Hello. Yes, that is an interesting question. I'd have to agree with @mpeters findings that hair color is most likely not relevant to vitamin B12 deficiency. Here is more information from the Mayo Clinic:
My cause of B12 deficiency was never pinpointed. I had symptoms of fatigue, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, numbness and tingling in hands and feet. Once discovered, I began B12 injections every two weeks for six months. After my B12 level began to regulate, I took oral supplements for a couple of years and now I take none. I do however make sure to eat a proper diet and get B12 naturally.
What steps are you taking to regulate your B12 deficiency? How are feeling presently?
My neighbor was recently diagnosed with low B12. She was thinking about injectable B12. Anyone else here doing so? How has this worked out for you. I'm an RN and would administer the shots for her, until I teach her and find her competent in the technique, understanding, safety precautions, etc.
I have a B12 deficiency. i take a tablet daily to keep my levels up. I have red hair or did before I had to color the grey. It also has an impact on getting novocaine at the dentist and some other interesting facts re anesthesia and red hair. Novocaine for me must be injected slowly, wait a while for it to take effect, and then keep an eye on it because it can run out fast too. I also have problems with the substance used to dilate my eyes. It takes a long time for them to dilate and hours to "undilate". I don't know if the eyes issue is unique to me or not but red heads and anesthesia has been written about. I must look into that B12 issue.
A study by McGill University in 2003 proved that redheaded women could tolerate pain by up to 25 percent more than people with other hair colours and that they’re harder to sedate. Medical Daily reports redheads also need 20 per cent more anaesthesia than others. Dr Karan notes in a comment, "The link between red hair & pain sensitivity isn't fully understood so some might have a greater pain sensitivity - but important before surgery!" A fellow doctor wrote, "They always need more anesthesia for dental surgery! At least that's what 23 years of practice taught me."
Have you confirmed that the B12 you take is being absorbed? As we age, B12 absorption is reduced, and it’s more effective by injection or under the tongue (sublingual). Check the label to see if the B12 tablets you take can be taken sublingually. Good luck!
I’ve been on b12 monthly injections for years. I simply don’t make enough to keep mine in the normal level. I was a vegetarian for years and thought that was it but I stopped that and added fish once weekly as well as chicken and it did nothing. I think it’s an absorption problem for some. I do not have red hair and my Dad also had to get injections and he was not a redhead. He did have a redhead sister and brother out of 9 sibling’s.
I have no redhead children or grandchildren. I think it’s a DNA issue. I also don’t absorb Vit B3 and ferritin as well as vitamin D. I am always on prescription vit d and take high doses of ferritin and a B- complex OTC vitamin. I have gone off everything for 6 months at a time to see if I’ll do okay without and I can’t. I don’t have a gallbladder so not sure if that plays a role. Hope this helps.
Blessings…..Joanne
Have you confirmed that the B12 you take is being absorbed? As we age, B12 absorption is reduced, and it’s more effective by injection or under the tongue (sublingual). Check the label to see if the B12 tablets you take can be taken sublingually. Good luck!
@leezah Hello. Yes, that is an interesting question. I'd have to agree with @mpeters findings that hair color is most likely not relevant to vitamin B12 deficiency. Here is more information from the Mayo Clinic:
My cause of B12 deficiency was never pinpointed. I had symptoms of fatigue, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, numbness and tingling in hands and feet. Once discovered, I began B12 injections every two weeks for six months. After my B12 level began to regulate, I took oral supplements for a couple of years and now I take none. I do however make sure to eat a proper diet and get B12 naturally.
What steps are you taking to regulate your B12 deficiency? How are feeling presently?
Thank you for sharing. I’m glad your treatments are working for you. I am on a special diet to strengthen my red blood cell. Eating at least 2-4 oz of clean meat daily. I also having been taking B12injections 1x a week and now my doctor is recommending 2x a week. It’s helping a lot but I have along way to go. I have a typical deficient looking tongue and it’s also effecting my speech.
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This is a very interesting question. I did some research as I am being treated by this too, and learned that one to two percent of people of European origin have read hair and that Vitamin b12 is one of the few vitamins Mayo Clinic recommends for older adults. I went to Google Scholar to see if there are any medical studies on your question and got zero results. When I used regular Google, I found some unscientific results, but nothing about your question. The National Institute of Health had an article about conditions associated with pale skin, but it has no answer to your question. When I posed the question “who is most likely to have vitamins b12 deficiency” the answer was people who don’t eat enough Vitamin B12 foods people who have trouble digesting it. Perhaps someone else can jump in.
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4 ReactionsI have a B12 deficiency. i take a tablet daily to keep my levels up. I have red hair or did before I had to color the grey. It also has an impact on getting novocaine at the dentist and some other interesting facts re anesthesia and red hair. Novocaine for me must be injected slowly, wait a while for it to take effect, and then keep an eye on it because it can run out fast too. I also have problems with the substance used to dilate my eyes. It takes a long time for them to dilate and hours to "undilate". I don't know if the eyes issue is unique to me or not but red heads and anesthesia has been written about. I must look into that B12 issue.
A study by McGill University in 2003 proved that redheaded women could tolerate pain by up to 25 percent more than people with other hair colours and that they’re harder to sedate. Medical Daily reports redheads also need 20 per cent more anaesthesia than others. Dr Karan notes in a comment, "The link between red hair & pain sensitivity isn't fully understood so some might have a greater pain sensitivity - but important before surgery!" A fellow doctor wrote, "They always need more anesthesia for dental surgery! At least that's what 23 years of practice taught me."
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3 Reactions@leezah Hello. Yes, that is an interesting question. I'd have to agree with @mpeters findings that hair color is most likely not relevant to vitamin B12 deficiency. Here is more information from the Mayo Clinic:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355025
My cause of B12 deficiency was never pinpointed. I had symptoms of fatigue, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, numbness and tingling in hands and feet. Once discovered, I began B12 injections every two weeks for six months. After my B12 level began to regulate, I took oral supplements for a couple of years and now I take none. I do however make sure to eat a proper diet and get B12 naturally.
What steps are you taking to regulate your B12 deficiency? How are feeling presently?
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2 ReactionsMTHFR can cause B12 deficiency and some estimate that 30% of people have the genetic mutation.
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2 ReactionsGood morning, all!
My neighbor was recently diagnosed with low B12. She was thinking about injectable B12. Anyone else here doing so? How has this worked out for you. I'm an RN and would administer the shots for her, until I teach her and find her competent in the technique, understanding, safety precautions, etc.
Thank you.
/LarryG
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2 ReactionsHave you confirmed that the B12 you take is being absorbed? As we age, B12 absorption is reduced, and it’s more effective by injection or under the tongue (sublingual). Check the label to see if the B12 tablets you take can be taken sublingually. Good luck!
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI’ve been on b12 monthly injections for years. I simply don’t make enough to keep mine in the normal level. I was a vegetarian for years and thought that was it but I stopped that and added fish once weekly as well as chicken and it did nothing. I think it’s an absorption problem for some. I do not have red hair and my Dad also had to get injections and he was not a redhead. He did have a redhead sister and brother out of 9 sibling’s.
I have no redhead children or grandchildren. I think it’s a DNA issue. I also don’t absorb Vit B3 and ferritin as well as vitamin D. I am always on prescription vit d and take high doses of ferritin and a B- complex OTC vitamin. I have gone off everything for 6 months at a time to see if I’ll do okay without and I can’t. I don’t have a gallbladder so not sure if that plays a role. Hope this helps.
Blessings…..Joanne
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3 ReactionsMy blood work annually shows medium to high values. SHould I thus assume it is being absorbed? Thank you for your comment.
Yes!
Thank you for sharing. I’m glad your treatments are working for you. I am on a special diet to strengthen my red blood cell. Eating at least 2-4 oz of clean meat daily. I also having been taking B12injections 1x a week and now my doctor is recommending 2x a week. It’s helping a lot but I have along way to go. I have a typical deficient looking tongue and it’s also effecting my speech.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions