Vitamin B12 deficiency
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| Vitamin B12 deficiency | |
|---|---|
| File:VitB12DefFull.jpg | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, neuropathy, glossitis, jaundice |
| Complications | Megaloblastic anemia, neurological disorders, cognitive impairment |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Malabsorption, pernicious anemia, dietary deficiency, gastric bypass surgery |
| Risks | Veganism, alcoholism, Crohn's disease, celiac disease |
| Diagnosis | Complete blood count, serum vitamin B12 level, methylmalonic acid test, homocysteine test |
| Differential diagnosis | Folate deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, hypothyroidism |
| Prevention | Adequate dietary intake of vitamin B12, vitamin B12 supplementation |
| Treatment | Vitamin B12 injections, oral vitamin B12 supplements |
| Medication | Cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in older adults, rare in young people |
| Deaths | Rare, if untreated can lead to severe complications |
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a medical condition in which the body does not have enough vitamin B12 to function properly. This deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including anemia, neurological disorders, and cognitive impairments.
Causes[edit]
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by several factors, including:
- Dietary deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 in the diet, which is common in individuals who follow a strict vegan or vegetarian diet, as vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products.
- Malabsorption: Conditions such as pernicious anemia, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 from the digestive tract.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and metformin, can affect the absorption of vitamin B12.
- Surgical procedures: Surgeries that remove or bypass parts of the stomach or small intestine, such as gastric bypass surgery, can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can vary and may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale or jaundiced skin
- Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
- Neurological symptoms: Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, memory loss, and cognitive decline
- Mouth ulcers and a swollen, inflamed tongue
- Vision problems
Diagnosis[edit]
Vitamin B12 deficiency is typically diagnosed through a combination of:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Blood tests: Measuring levels of vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine in the blood
- Complete blood count (CBC): To check for anemia and other abnormalities
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Dietary changes: Increasing the intake of vitamin B12-rich foods, such as meat, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals
- Oral supplements: Vitamin B12 tablets or capsules
- Intramuscular injections: For individuals with severe deficiency or malabsorption issues
- Treating underlying conditions: Addressing any medical conditions that may be causing the deficiency
Prevention[edit]
Preventing vitamin B12 deficiency involves:
- Maintaining a balanced diet: Including sufficient amounts of vitamin B12-rich foods
- Regular monitoring: For individuals at risk, such as those with gastrointestinal disorders or those taking medications that affect vitamin B12 absorption
- Supplementation: For individuals following a vegan or vegetarian diet, or those with conditions that affect absorption
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
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