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Vitamin B12 deficiency

Lack of vitamin B12 or B9, often known as folate. A shortage of vitamin B12 or folate can result in anemia by making the body create giant red blood cells that cannot carry oxygen throughout the body. Haemoglobin, a component of red blood cells, transports oxygen throughout the body. The common word for having either abnormally few red blood cells or abnormally little haemoglobin in each red blood cell is anemia.

B12 or folate deficiencies’ signs and symptoms

These are a few of the issues that these vitamin deficiencies can lead to:

  • Severe exhaustion.
  • Energy deficit.
  • Needles and pins (paraesthesia).
  • Red and painful tongue.
  • Mouth sores.
  • Muscular trembling.
  • Eyesight is distorted.

Causes resulting in B12 or folate deficiency 

A lack of vitamin B-12 may result from: 

  • Diet. Not having meals that are high in meat, eggs, or milk.
  • Pernicious anemia. The body’s immune system targets stomach cells that create an intrinsic chemical factor to cause this illness. Without it, the intestines cannot absorb vitamin B-12.
  • Gastric operations. The body may produce fewer intrinsic factors and have less room for vitamin B-12 to be interested.
  • Digestive issues. Celiac disease with Crohn’s disease.
  • Excessive alcohol content.
B12 or folate deficiencies' signs and symptoms

Treatments for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia

Most vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are easily treatable with injections or pills to replenish the deficient vitamins. Injections provide vitamin B12 supplements. Then need to take B12 supplements between meals or have frequent injections, depending on the B12 deficit. Your whole life may require these therapies. Sometimes treating the illness and preventing its recurrence involves changing your diet.

Healthy diet for preventing B12 or folate deficiency anemia 

Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include: 

  • Beef, liver, chicken and fish.
  • Eggs.
  • Fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals.
  • Milk, cheese and yoghurt.

Foods rich in folate include: 

  • Broccoli, spinach, lima beans and other green vegetables.
  • Oranges, bananas, lemons, melons and strawberries.
  • Grain products, such as cereal, bread, and rice.
  • Yeast, kidneys, mushrooms, liver, and peanuts.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022