What is Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Maybe you are suffering from Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia – a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, due to a lack (deficiency) of vitamin B12. This vitamin is needed to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of your body. Your tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen if deficient in red blood cells. This may lead to fatigue and muscle weakness.
What causes vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?
- Missing Intrinsic Factor: This protein is made in the stomach. It is needed to absorb vitamin B12.
- Surgery that removes or prevents the small intestine from absorbing B-12 will cause this condition.
- Chronic gastritis, chronic intestinal disease.
- Autoimmune disease, where the body attacks its own tissues such as type 1 diabetes or HIV.
Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?
- A family history of the this disease
- Having part or all of your stomach or intestine removed
- Autoimmune diseases, including diabetes
- Crohn’s disease, gastritis, bowel disease
- Some medicines for example metformin
- Strict vegetarian diets
- Older adults
- Having thyroid disease or diabetes.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?
- Weak muscles
- Numb or tingling feeling in hands and feet
- Trouble walking
- Nausea or decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Irritability
- Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
- Diarrhea
- Smooth and tender tongue
- Fast heart rate
How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia diagnosed?
This type of anemia is usually found during a medical exam through a specific blood test.
How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia treated?
First is to attempt to find the cause of the anemia which often occurs with folate deficiency anemia. Treatment may include vitamin B12 shots (injections) and folic acid pills.
Foods with increased both folic acid and vitamin B12 include:
- eggs
- meat
- chicken
- milk
- shellfish
- cereal with added B-12 and folate
Summary: about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
- With this condition, your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, due to a lack (deficiency) of vitamin B-12 and often folate.
- Without enough red blood cells, your tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen. Without enough oxygen, your body can’t work as well.
- Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
- Treatment may include vitamin B12 supplements, (better sublingual), injections, and folate. It is also important to eat a well-balanced diet.
* If you suspect you may be at risk for having B-12 deficiency anemia, consider blood testing or add the test when having blood drawn during the physical exam.