Low serum levels of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) due to poor intestinal absorption, decreased dietary intake, or increased physiologic requirement
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
The following features are indicative of B12 Deficiency:
depression
irritability
psychosis
abnormal sensations
changes in reflexes
poor muscle function
inflammation of the tongue
decreased taste
low red blood cells
reduced heart function
decreased fertility
poor growth in young children
poor development
difficulties with movement
weakness or tiredness
shortness of breath
dizziness
headache
coldness in the hands and feet
pale skin
chest pain
intermittent claudication of the legs
symptoms of heart failure
palpitations
tinnitus
mania
ataxia
It is possible that B12 Deficiency shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of B12 Deficiency
The following are the most common causes of B12 Deficiency:
poor vitamin b12 absorption from the stomach or intestines
decreased intake and increased vitamin b12 requirements
pernicious anemia
surgical removal of the stomach
chronic inflammation of the pancreas
intestinal parasites
Other Causes of B12 Deficiency
The following are the less common causes of B12 Deficiency:
vegan diet
HIV/AIDS
elevated methylmalonic acid levels
Risk Factors for B12 Deficiency
The following factors may increase the likelihood of B12 Deficiency:
pernicious anemia
surgical removal of the stomach
being on vegan diet
HIV/AIDS
elevated methylmalonic acid levels
family history
being Africans and Asians native
Prevention of B12 Deficiency
Yes, it may be possible to prevent B12 Deficiency. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
vitamin B12 supplementation in pregnant vegan women
Occurrence of B12 Deficiency
Number of Cases
The following are the number of B12 Deficiency cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
B12 Deficiency can occur at any age.
Common Gender
B12 Deficiency can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of B12 Deficiency
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect B12 Deficiency:
Serum B12 levels test: To determine if serum B12 levels are low which confirms vitamin B12 deficiency
Serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels test: To check if their levels are high which confirms vitamin B12 deficiency
The Schilling test: To test for vitamin B12 deficiency
Doctor for Diagnosis of B12 Deficiency
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of B12 Deficiency:
Neurologist
Pediatricians
Family doctors
Gynaecologists
Obstetricians
Internal medicine specialists
Hematologist
Gastroenterologist
Complications of B12 Deficiency if untreated
Yes, B12 Deficiency causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if B12 Deficiency is left untreated:
megaloblastic anemia
neurological defects
severe fatigue
pregnancy complications
heart problems
can be fatal
Self-care for B12 Deficiency
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of B12 Deficiency:
Eat a vitamin-rich diet: Take a diet that includes a number of vitamins and nutrients
Genetic counseling: Talk to a genetic counselor about the risks of anemia
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of B12 Deficiency
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of B12 Deficiency:
Dietary Changes and Supplements: Change your diet and take vitamin b12 supplements
Iron: Take iron from meats, vegetables or other foods
Time for Treatment of B12 Deficiency
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for B12 Deficiency to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: