Vitamin B12 Deficiency–Causes And Symptoms

What is vitamin B12 deficiency?

It is a common and treatable condition caused by insufficient vitamin B12 in your diet. It also occurs when your body fails to absorb such nutrient from the food or drinks you consume.

What causes vitamin B12 deficiency?

Many conditions can trigger vitamin B12 deficiency, and here are some of them:

Diet

Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when you're not eating enough food rich in this nutrient. You may include these foods and drinks in your diet, but your body needs to absorb the nutrient properly.

Gastritis

A common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is inflammation of the stomach lining, known as gastritis. It's caused by infection due to a bacterium known to trigger most stomach ulcers and by taking unavoidable painkillers regularly. It can also be caused by drinking too much alcohol.

Acute gastritis occurs suddenly, while chronic gastritis develops slowly. Sometimes, it can lead to ulcers and stomach cancer. This condition prevents the stomach from producing sufficient hydrochloric acid needed for vitamin B12 absorption, which causes deficiency.

Gastric surgeries 

Your body won't be able to absorb Vitamin B12 effectively once you undergo gastric surgeries, like having parts of your intestines or stomach removed. 

Vitamins & Minerals Complete Test

Fully identify & optimise nutritional deficiencies.

£99.00

Add to Cart ›

Intestinal problems

Intestinal problems can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, too, and Crohn's disease is one of them. This inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic inflammation from the stomach to the anus, known as the GI tract. It affects the last part of the small intestine, the ileum, where vitamin B12 absorption happens. Those who need to have their ileum removed will suffer from a deficiency.

Another intestinal problem is Celiac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. It's an immune reaction to food containing gluten, like barley and wheat. It can damage the small intestine, where vitamin B12 is absorbed.

Pernicious anemia

Pernicious anemia is a rare medical condition that occurs when the body's immune system attacks cells that produce intrinsic factor, a protein produced by the stomach. Without it, the body can't absorb vitamin B12.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

People with vitamin B12 deficiency exhibit different symptoms. Some develop slowly, while some escalate over time. Others experience no symptoms unless checked using a calcium blood test or blood test for vitamins.

Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Sore, red tongue, or glossitis
• Skin pricking, tingling, or numbness
• Soreness in the mouth or tongue
• Pale yellowish skin
• Hearing difficulties
• Disturbed vision
• Shortness of breath
• Vision-related problems
• Lack of concentration
• Forgetfulness
• Depression
• Irritability
• Changes in behavior

How is vitamin B12 deficiency diagnosed?

Since the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency aren't always present or resemble those of other health conditions, healthcare providers conduct routine blood tests like a calcium blood test and blood test for vitamins to check for it. That's because calcium and vitamin B12 work together in regulating bone health. Both depend on each other for absorption. When calcium levels decrease, this affects vitamin B12 absorption and cause deficiency.

A full blood count (FBC) and a vitamin B12 level test can also be used. A person has a deficiency if the vitamin B12 in the blood are below the normal range for a person of their age and sex.

Treatments for vitamin B12 deficiency

There are many ways to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Once you've been diagnosed with this health condition, your doctor will conduct the Schilling test to measure the absorption of vitamin B12 and check for possible underlying conditions. The results will be used to determine treatment options.

In most cases, vitamin B12 intramuscular injections are given. They can bypass the absorption of this nutrient from the food you eat. For starters, 1000 micrograms are injected regularly for four to six weeks. During this period, the body starts producing red blood cells and increases the reserves in the liver.

However, the injections won't solve the deficiency's underlying cause. In some cases, doctors may recommend having 1000 micrograms of B12 injections every three months.

Other options include vitamin B12 oral medication, nasal gel, and nasal spray.

Meanwhile, make sure to include these vitamin B12-rich foods in your diet for early prevention:

1. Organ meats

Animal liver and kidney are packed with vitamin B12. For instance, a 100-gram serving of lamb liver contains 3,571% of the Daily Value of this nutrient, and it's rich in vitamins A and B2, selenium, and copper.

2. Clams

These chewy shellfish are loaded with nutrients. You can have over 7,000% of vitamin B12 in 190 grams of clam. It's also a great source of iron and antioxidants.

3. Tuna

Tuna is an excellent source of protein, minerals, and vitamins. The dark muscle underneath its skin has high concentrations of vitamin B12. A cooked 100-gram tuna has 453% of the DV and enough selenium, phosphorus, lean protein, and vitamins A and B3.

4. Beef

Low-fat cuts of beef, grilled or roasted, have high concentrations of vitamin B12. On the other hand, a 190-gram flat iron steak can provide the body with 467% of the DV.

5. Eggs

Eggs are excellent sources of B vitamins. Two 100-gram eggs can provide you with approximately 46% vitamin B12 DV. Note that egg yolks have vitamin B12 content more than egg whites and are easier to absorb. These go-to breakfast food also contains vitamins B and D.

If you are vegan, vitamin B12 supplements are your best option. Make sure to talk about it with your doctor first.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, and though it's not life-threatening, it's imperative to have yourself tested through blood tests like calcium blood test and blood test for vitamins if you experience its symptoms. Early detection, prevention, and treatment can help you deal with this condition.