<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Hi,

It's well known that untreated celiacs are at risk for malabsorption of
vitamins such as folic acid or B12.  My question is: what is the
shortest amount of time it might take, after beginning a gluten
challenge, for a vitamin deficiency to manifest itself (e.g. folic acid
deficiency -> neurological symptoms)?

I always assumed that a vitamin deficiency would take weeks or months to
appear.  But I guess it could happen more rapidly - particularly if:

1) we had sub-optimal levels even before the gluten challenge

or

2) it's our ability to *use* the vitamin that's impaired, rather than
our *supply* of it

or

3) it's a water-soluble vitamin, and thus not stored by the body (as I
recall from remembrances of biology lessons past)

Any vitamin experts out there who can help with this?

Eleanor
[log in to unmask]