Vitamin B12 Deficiency : Information

Introduction : Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a low red blood cell count due to a lack of vitamin B12. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Vitamin B 12 and folate Vitamin B12 and folate together help the body produce red blood cells. They also have several other important functions: Vitamin B12 keeps the nervous system (brain, nerves and spinal cord) healthy. Vitamin B12 is generally found in:

  • Meat
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products
Folate is important for pregnant women because it reduces the risk of birth defects in unborn babies. The best source of folate is green vegetables such as:
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Peas

References:
  • http://icmr.nic.in/ijmr/2011/october/1004.pdf
  • http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaemia-vitamin-B12-and-folate-deficiency/Pages/Introduction.aspx
  • http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/b12/index.html
  • http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000574.htm

Symptoms : Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Symptoms of anemia vary depending on the underline cause: Vitamin B12 deficiency/ pernicious anemia If anemia is caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, one may have symptoms like:

  • Yellow coloration of skin
  • A sore and red tongue (glossitis)
  • Ulcers inside mouth
  • An altered sense of touch
  • Disturbed vision
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Psychosis
  • Dementia a decline in mental abilities, such as memory, understanding and judgment
Folate deficiency As well as general symptoms of anemia, a folate deficiency may also cause:
  • Loss of sensation, such as a reduced sense of touch or pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Depression
Reference:
  • http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/b12/index.html
Causes : Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The exact cause is not known, but disease is associated with certain risks factors which include:

  • Age Pernicious anemia is most common at later age
  • Gender Pernicious anemia affects slightly more women than men
  • Family history nearly a third of people with anemia also have a family member with the condition
  • Autoimmune condition, such as Addison s disease or vitiligo is also associated with anemia and other autoimmune conditions
  • Diet- The body generally stores vitamin B12 to last approximately two to four years. However, it is important to have vitamin B12 in the diet to ensure the store is kept at a healthy level.
  • Conditions affecting the stomach- Some stomach conditions or stomach operations can also prevent the absorption of vitamin B12. For example, a gastrectomy(a surgical procedure where part of stomach is removed) also increases risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
  • Conditions affecting the intestines- Some conditions that affect intestines (part of the digestive system). For example, Crohn s disease (a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system) can sometimes result in body not able to absorb enough vitamin B12.
Folate deficiency anaemia Folate is a water-soluble vitamin (it dissolves in water), as a result body is unable to store it for long periods of time. Body stores folate that last four months. This means one need folate in daily diet to ensure body has sufficient stores of the vitamin.
  • Diet- Not having enough folate in daily diet.
  • Mal absorption- Sometimes body is unable to absorb folate as effectively as it should. This is usually the result of an underlying condition affecting digestive system, such as Coeliac disease.
  • Excessive urination- Body may lose folate from body if one urinate frequently. This can be caused by an underlying condition that affects one of the organs, such as your kidneys or liver.
  • Pregnancy- If a women is pregnant or planning to get pregnant, daily supplement of 0.4mg of folic acid should be taken for at least 12 weeks.
Reference:
  • http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaemia-vitamin-B12-and-folate-deficiency/Pages/Causes.aspx

Diagnosis : Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Diagnosis may require a complete blood count or peripheral blood smear based on patient history and physical examination. Reference:

  • http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/b12/detection.html

Management : Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Treatment mainly depends upon the underlying conditions for the anemia: Diet related

If vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a lack of the vitamin in the diet, doctor may prescribe vitamin B12 tablets to take every day between meals. Alternatively, patient may have to take an injection of hydroxocobalamin twice a year.

Good sources of vitamin B12 include:
  • Meat
  • Salmon
  • Milk
  • Eggs
If a person is vegetarian, alternative food for meat and dairy products, that contains vitamin B12, such as:
  • Some fortified breakfast cereals
  • Some soy products
Not diet related

If vitamin B12 deficiency is not caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in diet, patient may need to have an injection of hydroxocobalamin every three months for the rest of life.

Folate deficiency anaemia

To treat folate deficiency anaemia, doctor may prescribe daily folic acid tablets to build up patient's folate levels.

Reference:
  • http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaemia-vitamin-B12-and-folate-deficiency/Pages/Treatment.aspx]
Medical Condition : Vitamin B12 Deficiency : Blood Lymphatic