The deficiency of vitamin B12 leading to anemia is often caused by either intrinsic factors within the body or other reasons such as infections, surgeries, or a diet lacking in vitamin B12. Let’s delve deeper into the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures for vitamin B12 deficiency-induced anemia in the following article.
1. Is Anemia Caused by Vitamin B12 Deficiency Dangerous?
Anemia resulting from a deficiency in vitamin B12 can pose significant risks to one’s health. The condition can lead to fatigue and diminished vitality. Vitamin B12 deficiency-induced anemia ranks among the most common causes of anemia today.
Anemia occurs when the level of circulating red blood cells in the body falls below that of a healthy individual of the same gender, age, and within the same family. Vitamin B12 deficiency impairs the normal function of red blood cells, leading to anemia. This deficiency results in reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, significantly affecting health, including memory impairment, tingling sensations in the hands and feet, and various other serious conditions.
Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet
2. Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency-Induced Anemia
2.1 Internal Factors
– Insufficient stomach protein leads to decreased vitamin B12 absorption due to autoimmune reactions. This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that attack and damage the cells lining the stomach, where an intrinsic factor is produced.
– Subsequent cessation of intrinsic factor production in the attacked stomach lining inhibits vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine, leading to deficiency.
– Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach also reduces the number of cells producing intrinsic factors.
– Rarely, congenital genetic disorders in children prevent the body from producing intrinsic factors.
2.2 Impaired Absorption of Vitamin B12 in the Small Intestine
– Due to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the small intestine.
– Diseases hindering vitamin B12 absorption such as Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or HIV.
– Certain medications like antibiotics, antidiabetic drugs, or anticonvulsants interfere with vitamin B12 absorption by inhibiting the small intestine.
– Surgical removal of part or all of the small intestine.
– Consumption of undercooked food contaminated with tapeworms exhausts vitamin B12, leading to anemia.
2.3 Inadequate Daily Diet
Poor dietary habits lacking in nutrients and vitamin B12 sources contribute to deficiency-induced anemia.
Deficiency in B12 can cause megaloblastic anemia
3. Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency-Induced Anemia
Common signs of vitamin B12 deficiency-induced anemia include:
– Fatigue and weight loss
– Dizziness, pale skin
– Irregular heartbeat
– Tingling sensation in hands and feet
– Muscle weakness
– Mood swings
– Unsteady gait
– Forgetfulness
4. At-Risk Groups for Vitamin B12 Deficiency-Induced Anemia
– Vegetarians, especially those who avoid dairy or any animal-derived products.
– Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders or those who have undergone partial or total removal of the intestines or stomach.
– Those with intrinsic factor deficiency due to autoimmune reactions or genetic disorders.
– Users of acid-suppressing medications, proton pump inhibitors, or certain antidiabetic drugs.
– People with autoimmune endocrine disorders such as diabetes or thyroid diseases, increasing the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
– Elderly individuals or alcoholics are also at risk.
5. Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis involves blood tests to assess red blood cell count, vitamin B12 levels, intrinsic factor antibodies, Schilling test, and methylmalonic acid levels. Bone marrow biopsy may be necessary. Treatment primarily includes oral or injectable vitamin B12 supplements.
6. Lifestyle and Prevention
6.1 Healthy Lifestyle
– Strict adherence to treatment guidelines.
– Maintaining a positive lifestyle, stress management.
– Seeking immediate medical attention for any treatment-related abnormalities.
– Regular check-ups for monitoring health status.
– Being cautious while standing to avoid dizziness-induced falls.
6.2 Nutritional Considerations
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in red blood cell production and anemina production
Consuming vitamin B12-rich foods such as beef, liver, poultry, salmon, tuna, shellfish, fortified cereals, low-fat dairy, yogurt, cheese, and eggs.
This article provides insights into vitamin B12 deficiency-induced anemia. It aims to help individuals recognize and actively treat the condition promptly to avoid potential complications.
