Or vitamin deficiency anemia may develop because your body can't properly absorb the nutrients from the foods you eat. Folate, also known as vitamin B-9, is a nutrient found mainly in fruits and leafy green vegetables. A diet consistently lacking in these foods can lead to a deficiency. Deficiency can also result if your body is unable to absorb folate from food.
Most nutrients from food are absorbed in your small intestine. You might have difficulty absorbing folate or folic acid, the synthetic form of folate that's added to foods and supplements, if:. Pregnant women and women who are breast-feeding have an increased demand for folate, as do people undergoing dialysis for kidney disease.
Failure to meet this increased demand can result in a deficiency. Vitamin B deficiency can result from a diet lacking in vitamin B, which is found mainly in meat, eggs and milk. However, the most common cause of vitamin B deficiency anemia is a lack of a substance called intrinsic factor, which can be caused when your immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce this substance.
This type of anemia is called pernicious anemia. Intrinsic factor is a protein secreted by the stomach that joins vitamin B in the stomach and moves it through the small intestine to be absorbed by your bloodstream. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B can't be absorbed and leaves your body as waste.
People with endocrine-related autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, may have an increased risk of developing pernicious anemia. Vitamin B deficiency anemia can also occur if your small intestine can't absorb vitamin B for reasons other than a lack of intrinsic factor. This may happen if:. Vitamin C deficiency can develop if you don't get enough vitamin C from the foods you eat.
Vitamin C deficiency is also possible if something impairs your ability to absorb vitamin C from food. For instance, smoking impairs your body's ability to absorb vitamin C. Certain chronic illnesses, such as cancer or chronic kidney disease, also increase your risk of vitamin C deficiency anemia by affecting the absorption of vitamin C.
A number of factors can affect your body's vitamin stores. In general, your risk of vitamin deficiency is increased if:. Your diet contains little to no natural vitamin food sources, such as meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables. This theory suggests that high levels of homocysteine caused by low levels of B12 could cause damage to the brain tissue and interfere with signals to and from your brain, leading to mood changes.
Some studies suggest that in certain people who are deficient in B12, supplementing with the vitamin can reverse symptoms 26 , 27 , Thus, the effects of supplementing in these conditions remain unclear 29 , If you have a deficiency, taking a supplement may help improve your mood. Summary: Some people with B12 may show signs of a depressed mood or conditions characterized by a decline in brain function, such as dementia. Summary: On very rare occasions, one symptom of B12 deficiency may be a high temperature.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common and can present itself in various ways, making it difficult to identify. For most people, a B12 deficiency should be easy to prevent simply by ensuring you are getting enough B12 in your diet. Vitamin B12 plays many crucial roles in your body, and some think that taking megadoses of this nutrient is best for their health. This article…. Some experts claim that vitamin B12 injections can help with energy levels, brain function and weight loss.
This article reviews the science. Vitamin B12 shots and supplements are popular among those looking to fight fatigue, boost their energy levels, and even lose weight. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause various symptoms, and you may wonder whether weight gain is among them. This article reviews whether a vitamin B12…. For many people, one of the best parts about traveling is getting to explore the local cuisines.
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Numerous foods are marketed as healthy but contain hidden ingredients. Here are 14 "health foods" that aren't as nutritious as you thought. Vitamin B12 deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine , 2 , Understand how your lifestyle impacts your health with a home blood test and GP-reviewed results.
Vitamin B Check to see if you're getting enough energy. Understand your risk of developing anaemia. Vitamin D. Find out how vitamin D impacts your fitness, sleep, and mood. It plays a really important role in red blood cell production and helps your nervous system to function properly. If you're deficient in vitamin B12 it can cause a wide range of symptoms — like tiredness, pins and needles, and memory problems.
You can check to see if you're getting enough vitamin B12 with a blood test. What is vitamin B12? What does vitamin B12 do? Nerve damage Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage. Balance issues Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause problems with your balance. Surgery that removes or bypasses the end of the small intestine. This part of the small intestine is where vitamin B 12 is absorbed.
The inability to make intrinsic factor may be caused by several things, such as: Chronic gastritis Surgery to remove all or part of the stomach gastrectomy An autoimmune condition, where the body attacks its own tissues Other types of megaloblastic anemia may be linked with type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and a family history of the disease.
Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia? Risk factors for vitamin B 12 deficiency anemia include: A family history of the disease Having part or all of your stomach or intestine removed Autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes Crohn's disease HIV Some medicines Strict vegetarian diets Being an older adult What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia? Symptoms may include: Weak muscles Numb or tingling feeling in hands and feet Trouble walking Nausea Decreased appetite Weight loss Irritability Lack of energy or tiring easily fatigue Diarrhea Smooth and tender tongue Fast heart rate The symptoms of megaloblastic anemia may look like other blood conditions or health problems.
How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia diagnosed? How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia treated? Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment for you based on: How old you are Your overall health and medical history How sick you are How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies If your condition is expected to get worse Your opinion or preference Vitamin B 12 deficiency anemia and folate deficiency anemia often occur together and can be hard to tell apart.
Living with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia Depending on the cause of your vitamin B 12 deficiency, you may need to take vitamin B 12 supplements for the rest of your life.
Key points 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 It is one of several types of megaloblastic anemia. Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
Treatment may include vitamin B 12 supplements. It is also important to eat a well-balanced diet. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
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