From the FDA Drug Label
Vitamin B12 deficiency that is allowed to progress for longer than three months may produce permanent degenerative lesions of the spinal cord. Neurologic manifestations will not be prevented with folic acid, and if not treated with Vitamin B12, irreversible damage will result.
The consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency in adults, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), may include permanent degenerative lesions of the spinal cord and irreversible neurologic damage if left untreated for more than three months 1 2.
From the Research
Vitamin B12 deficiency in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can lead to significant health consequences, including worsening of existing autism-related symptoms, and supplementation is typically recommended to improve overall functioning and quality of life. The consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency in adults with ASD can be severe, including neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling in extremities, difficulty with balance, cognitive impairment, memory problems, and increased fatigue.
- B12 deficiency may also worsen existing autism-related symptoms, potentially increasing sensory sensitivities, exacerbating communication difficulties, and contributing to depression and anxiety.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies on the effectiveness of cobalamin (B12) treatment for ASD found that subcutaneously injected methylcobalamin (mB12) improved metabolic abnormalities in ASD, including methylation capacity and glutathione redox ratio, and was associated with clinical improvements in core and associated ASD symptoms 3.
- The study also found that adverse events associated with B12 treatment were generally few, mild, and not serious, with hyperactivity, irritability, trouble sleeping, aggression, and worsening behaviors being the most common 3.
- Another study found that vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia in pediatric patients with ASD, highlighting the importance of monitoring nutritional status in this population 4.
- Research suggests that individuals with autism may have higher rates of B12 deficiency or difficulty metabolizing this vitamin effectively, making supplementation a crucial aspect of treatment 5, 6.
- Supplementation with 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 daily, either orally or as sublingual tablets, is typically recommended for adults with autism experiencing symptoms of B12 deficiency, with regular monitoring through blood tests to ensure levels return to normal (above 300 pg/mL).
- In severe cases, B12 injections (typically 1,000 mcg cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin) may be prescribed, initially administered weekly until levels normalize, then monthly for maintenance 7.