[mrsD]

Originally Posted by sara1011

Hello,

As a current diagnosed idiopathic peripheral neuropathy young adult, my only theory is the B12 deficiency but I'm now reading that exhaustion of vitamin B12 stores usually occurs after twelve to fifteen years of absolute vitamin B12 deficiency, in which case it's unlikely that a young adult (I'm 30) would develop this deficiency and symptoms because of it.

Any thoughts?

There are many variables for people, since everyone is different genetically. If you are homozygous (have one gene) for methylation you can limp along for many years borderline in your metabolism. If you are heterozygous (both genes -2- missing) then neurological symptoms and finally bone marrow depression will occur earlier.

Our livers have evolved to store B12 up to 5 yrs or so. This is because of the evolution of humans in feast/or famine food conditions.

I don't think one can put a label on timing of symptoms therefore. Some low B12 comes from the environment (vegan lifestyle, or RX drug use that depletes it or prevents absorption, or development of autoimmune damage to the intrinsic factor of the stomach). Gluten intolerance is often acquired and that leads to low B12 absorption too.

If you haven't seen the B12 video...that is excellent, then here it is.... but it does not go into detail about MTHFR or other causes, or methylation in general. It can be a battle just getting the proper testing from physicians..and this video addresses that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvEizypoyO0