Is it one of the symptoms of MC to have on and off muscle cramps/sapsms in the thighs and and upper arms. Husband started having these today at lunch. First in the back of the right thigh at lunch. Then in the back of the left thigh during a walk after lunch. Then in the left upper arm and left shoulder area upon returning home. Then it stopped. Then the spasms in the left thigh.
Is this part of the side effects of MC?
Thanks
Muscle spasms in thighs and upper arm
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Well, yes it is. It's not listed in the medical description of MC, but MC promptly depletes magnesium, and a deficiency can cause muscle spasms. Normally, the liver can store vitamin B-12 for years, but MC depletes water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin D and the "B" vitamins), so that eventually, a vitamin B-12 deficiency will exist. A vitamin B-12 deficiency will often cause sporadic muscle spasms, or "tics". This happens occasionally with many (but not all) MC patients, especially those who might have been slightly deficient before developing MC. I had a few episodes after I had been reacting for years. After I began taking a B-12 supplement, the symptoms disappeared.
We do better if we take the active form of the B-vitamins, because they are much more effective, and because about half of us have compromised methylation capabilities (due to MTFHR gene mutations), and our bodies can't convert the normal (cheap) vitamins into the active form, so that our bodies can use them. The inactive forms will build up (because we can't use them) and if our doctor tests our levels, they will often be high, but our body is still starved for the active form of the vitamin. The most common inactive form of B-12 is cyanocobalamin, and the active form (that we need) is methylcobalamin. If that's his problem, a methylcobalamin supplement should stop the symptoms within a day or two.
Tex
We do better if we take the active form of the B-vitamins, because they are much more effective, and because about half of us have compromised methylation capabilities (due to MTFHR gene mutations), and our bodies can't convert the normal (cheap) vitamins into the active form, so that our bodies can use them. The inactive forms will build up (because we can't use them) and if our doctor tests our levels, they will often be high, but our body is still starved for the active form of the vitamin. The most common inactive form of B-12 is cyanocobalamin, and the active form (that we need) is methylcobalamin. If that's his problem, a methylcobalamin supplement should stop the symptoms within a day or two.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thank you so much, Tex, as always! That makes sense. Very interesting about the B12.
So I will give him the active form of the B vitamins and B12, methylcobalamin. Gave him transdermal mag today, which I read about elsewhere on this forum. The spasms seemed to subside. But then came back.
Another thought -- I wonder if in general having many WD episodes a day depletes a whole lot of other minerals -- in addition to the Mag! And if so, may be need to drink more turkey and vegetable broth!!!
THANKS SO MUCH
Lydia
So I will give him the active form of the B vitamins and B12, methylcobalamin. Gave him transdermal mag today, which I read about elsewhere on this forum. The spasms seemed to subside. But then came back.
Another thought -- I wonder if in general having many WD episodes a day depletes a whole lot of other minerals -- in addition to the Mag! And if so, may be need to drink more turkey and vegetable broth!!!
THANKS SO MUCH
Lydia
Yes, WD depletes the electrolytes, and many of us become low on potassium if we become dehydrated. I'm just guessing here, but a potassium deficiency can cause leg cramps, so I suspect it might also cause muscle twitches.
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Great to know. It is interesting that cramps can be the result of both a loss of electrolytes, including magnesium, as well as of B12.
Usually, when my Mag is low, I get calf spasms. But when the spasms happen in the large muscles (e.g. back of thigh) -- perhaps that indicates a much broader loss of minerals as well as B12.
Usually, when my Mag is low, I get calf spasms. But when the spasms happen in the large muscles (e.g. back of thigh) -- perhaps that indicates a much broader loss of minerals as well as B12.