Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also works with folate (another B vitamin) to help make red blood cells. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, which means your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and problems with memory and concentration. Left untreated, it can also lead to anemia (a decrease in red blood cells) and an increased risk of infection.
What causes vitamin B12 deficiency?
There are several possible causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. They include:
–Dietary deficiencies. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs and milk. If you don’t eat enough of these foods, you may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
–Reduced absorption of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is normally bound to proteins in food. Stomach acids release the vitamin B12 from food so it can be absorbed by your body. If you have atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia or another condition that affects your stomach’s ability to produce acids, you may not be able to absorb enough vitamin B12 from your diet.
–Certain medications. Long-term use of acid-suppressing drugs, such as omeprazole (Prilosec), increases your risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because it reduces stomach acid production. Metformin (Glucophage) and other diabetes medications also can cause vitamin B12 deficiency because they affect enzymes needed for vitamin B12 absorption.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and nerve damage.
Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency include:
–Aging. Vitamin B12 is absorbed less efficiently as you age.
–Gastric surgery. Gastric bypass surgery and other procedures that remove part of the stomach or small intestine can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
–Autoimmune disorders. disorders such as Graves’ disease, lupus and Crohn’s disease can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.
–Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Your body needs more vitamin B12 when you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding and don’t eat meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or dairy foods, you might need a vitamin B12 supplement.
–Vegetarianism and veganism. People who don’t eat meat or poultry and people who don’t eat any animal products (vegans) are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency if they don’t get enough vitamin B12 from fortified foods or dietary supplements
How is vitamin B12 deficiency diagnosed?
There are a number of blood tests that can be used to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency. The most common and reliable test is the serum vitamin B12 test. This measures the level of vitamin B12 in your blood. A low level of vitamin B12 in your blood indicates a deficiency.
How is vitamin B12 deficiency treated?
If you have vitamin B12 deficiency, your treatment will depend on what is causing it.
If your deficiency is due to a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, you may be treated with vitamin B12 injections or tablets to boost your levels.
If your deficiency is due to an inability to absorb vitamin B12, you may be treated with vitamin B12 injections. You may also be prescribed medication to help your body absorb vitamin B12.
In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove part of the stomach if it’s the cause of your vitamin B12 deficiency.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency be prevented?
Most people get the vitamin B12 they need from their diet. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is also added to some foods and is available as a dietary supplement and a prescription medication.
You can also get vitamin B12 from fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, energy bars, soy-based drinks and meat substitutes, and vitamin water.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented by eating a diet that includes sources of the vitamin or by taking supplements or medications.
