Vitamin B12 deficiency

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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

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

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

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

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

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

• Anemia
• Pernicious anemia
• Neuropathy
• Cognitive impairment
• Veganism
• Gastric bypass surgery