What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when there are inadequate levels of vitamin B12 in the body. This important vitamin is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the healthy functioning of the nervous system.

A lack of vitamin B12 can cause anemia and other health problems.^[1][2] Anemia is a condition where the body either cannot make enough healthy red blood cells or cannot produce enough of the substance hemoglobin that allows red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body.

There are several different types of anemia, each with its own causes and symptoms. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia, a condition where the red blood cells are larger than normal and cannot function properly.^[2][3]

For many people, a balanced and varied diet provides all the vitamin B12 they need.^[2] Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Despite the availability of vitamin B12 in a balanced diet, deficiency is not all that uncommon, particularly among people over 50 years of age, premenopausal women, and people who follow strict vegan diets.^[4][5]

Low levels of vitamin B12 may be the result of a number of different factors and conditions. One of the most common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anemia, a condition where a person’s immune system mistakenly reduces their ability to absorb the vitamin. Less common causes of deficiency include conditions affecting the stomach or intestines that interfere with absorption of vitamin B12, inadequate dietary intake, and certain medications.^[1][6]

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency usually develop gradually and can be wide-ranging. These may include general symptoms of [anemia]((/conditions/anemia/), such as fatigue and lethargy, as well as the symptoms specific to the deficiency, such as yellow tinge to the skin and a sore tongue.

If left untreated, the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency tend to worsen and irreversible problems involving the nerves and brain may develop. The risk of experiencing a number of serious complications, including heart failure, may also increase.^[3][7] For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice without delay should any of these symptoms be present.

Worried you may have vitamin B12 deficiency? Check your symptoms using List of Doctors

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency

A person with vitamin B12 deficiency may notice general symptoms of anemia as well as symptoms that are more specific to the condition.

Symptoms more specific to a vitamin B12 deficiency include:^[2][8][7][9]

• Pale yellow skin color
• Painful, red tongue
• Mouth ulcers and canker sores
• Constipation
• Pins and needles, numbness or other strange sensations in the hands, legs or feet
• Vision disturbances
• Difficulty walking and balance problems
• Perceptible differences in mood, thoughts, feelings and behavior
• Confusion and difficulty thinking. In severe cases, dementia
• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Depression
• Psychosis^[3]

The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can develop slowly and worsen over time. Some symptoms may be experienced by people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency without anemia. Some people may experience no symptoms, despite low levels of vitamin B12.^[7]

Because of the wide range of possible symptoms, many of which can also occur as a result of other conditions, vitamin B12 deficiency may not be recognized immediately.^[9] If a person has any reason to suspect the condition, it is important that they inform their healthcare practitioner.

In babies, signs of vitamin B12 deficiency may include failure to thrive, movement difficulties, delays in reaching developmental milestones, and [anemia[(/conditions/anemia/).^[8]

General symptoms caused by anemia

A person with vitamin B12 deficiency may also notice general symptoms of anemia. Symptoms that are commonly experienced in anemia, regardless of the cause, include the following:^[7]

• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Breathlessness
• Faintness
• Headaches

Less common symptoms of anemia may include:^[2]

• Paleness
• Palpitations
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Loss of appetite
• Altered sense of taste
• Unexplained weight loss

A doctor can help you check your symptoms. check a List of Doctors to begin your personal health assessment.

Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency

Pernicious anemia is a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. There are several other possible causes of the deficiency, but they tend to be less common.^[2]

Pernicious anemia

In order for vitamin B12 to be absorbed by the body, it needs to be combined with a protein called intrinsic factor in the stomach. This protein is produced by cells in the stomach lining. In people with pernicious anemia, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks these cells, preventing intrinsic factors from combining with vitamin B12 and hampering its absorption.^[2][7]

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition that most commonly affects people over 50 years old, and women seem to be more likely to develop it. Pernicious anemia is thought to run in families and seems to affect people who have other autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Addison’s disease, more often than those who do not. A healthcare practitioner can order a blood test to check for pernicious anemia.^[2][7]

Conditions affecting the stomach and intestines

People who have certain conditions that affect the stomach and intestines, or have had certain types of surgery, may be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.^[2][7][10]

• Stomach conditions. Atrophic gastritis, which causes thinning of the stomach lining, infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and a genetic condition that causes a lack of intrinsic factor can all cause vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Intestinal conditions. Crohn’s disease, a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract, celiac disease,^[8] chronic tropical sprue and a number of other conditions may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Surgery. Surgical procedures that remove part or all of the stomach, or the end of the small intestine, may prevent adequate absorption of vitamin B12.

Medications

Some medicines can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, potentially leading to a deficiency if precautions are not taken. Metformin, a medicine commonly prescribed for diabetes, is one example. Others include neomycin, chloramphenicol,^[8] colchicine, and certain anticonvulsant drugs.^[2]

In addition, the long-term use of certain medicines that are used to treat stomach conditions, such as heartburn and peptic ulcers,^[11] can worsen an existing vitamin B12 deficiency but do not cause it. Examples of these drugs include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers.^[2][7]

Good to know: People taking any of these types of medication should discuss concerns about vitamin B12 deficiency with their healthcare practitioner.

Inadequate dietary intake

Though fairly uncommon, some people may develop vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of low levels in their daily diet. A balanced diet typically provides sufficient vitamin B12; however, strict vegans and people with a poor diet are at higher risk of developing a deficiency.^[2][7] Good sources of vitamin B12 include:

• Meat
• Fish
• Eggs
• Dairy products

In addition, some breakfast cereals, soy products, and other foods are fortified with vitamin B12. Fruit and vegetable products do not contain vitamin B12 unless they have been specially fortified.^[1][8]

In healthy people, the body tends to have a store of vitamin B12 that can last two to five years without being replenished. As a result, a deficiency may take several years to develop.^[7][12]

It is important that people making long-term dietary changes, for example becoming vegan, eat food products that have been fortified with vitamin B12 or take a supplement to reduce the risk of developing a deficiency.^[9]

Diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency

A doctor will typically take the person’s medical history and perform a physical examination.

If they suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency, they will usually request blood tests to be done. These tests can measure levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid, as well as the size and concentration of hemoglobin within the person’s red blood cells.^[7]

Drawbacks of blood tests for vitamin B12 deficiency

Some people experience symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency despite their blood tests indicating normal levels. The test measures the total amount of the vitamin in the blood, but not all of it can necessarily be used by the body.^[7] In addition, the range of normal levels may differ between laboratories.^[13]

For these reasons, healthcare practitioners will usually consider signs and symptoms, as well as the results of the blood tests when diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency.^[13]

Read more about Blood Test Results »

Tests to identify the cause

If vitamin B12 deficiency is suspected or confirmed, further tests may be required to identify the cause. This will help to determine the recommended course of treatment. These investigations may include further blood tests for pernicious anemia^[7] and other conditions.

Some people may be referred to specialists for further tests or treatment. These include hematologists, doctors specializing in blood conditions, and gastroenterologists, doctors specializing in the digestive system.^[1]

Ruling out folate deficiency

A deficiency of folate, the nutrient is also known as folic acid or vitamin B9, good sources of which include foods like broccoli, asparagus, peas, and brown rice, can cause some of the same symptoms as vitamin B12 deficiency.^[7] For this reason, a doctor will typically examine the levels of folate in blood tests when checking for vitamin B12 deficiency.^[3]

Taking a lot of folic acids can mask the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, so in cases where folate deficiency is suspected, a doctor will usually test for vitamin B12 deficiency before prescribing medication.^[12]

Read more about Folate Deficiency »

Functional vitamin B12 deficiency

Sometimes blood tests will show normal serum levels of vitamin B12, but a person may experience symptoms and complications related to a deficiency. This can be known as functional vitamin B12 deficiency. In these cases, there may be an issue with the processing of vitamin B12 in the body.

Like most other cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, the condition can be treated with high doses of vitamin B12.^[7][14] However, a prolonged functional vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to the same problems as a regular vitamin B12 deficiency.^[7]

Treatment of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Treatment will depend on the reasons for the vitamin B12 deficiency. In most cases, having injections or taking a prescribed oral supplement will be sufficient to treat the condition.^[7]

A doctor may recommend having high-dose injections of vitamin B12, usually in a form called hydroxocobalamin, every second day for two weeks, or until symptoms have cleared.

If the cause of the deficiency is dietary, the doctor may advise taking a daily supplement or continuing to have injections twice a year or more, indefinitely.^[7] They may also refer the person to a dietician for advice on ways to increase vitamin B12 intake in their diet.^[1][3]

In cases where the deficiency is not related to a person’s diet, it will usually be necessary to have vitamin B12 injections every three months or more frequently, for the rest of their life.^[7]

People who have symptoms that affect their nervous systems, such as pins and needles or numbness, may be referred to a hematologist for specialized management of the deficiency. It may be necessary for them to have injections every two months or more frequently, for life.^[2][7]

Vitamin B12 injections typically do not have any side effects other than a small amount of discomfort where the needle is inserted.^[2]

Follow-up blood tests will generally be requested one to three months after starting treatment, to check that vitamin B12 levels have returned to normal. Thereafter, a doctor may advise a once-yearly follow-up test.^[7][3][12]

In most cases, a vitamin B12 deficiency is easy to treat and complications are rare.^[1] However, in some cases, particularly where there has been a severe or prolonged deficiency, nerve damage may be permanent and irreversible.^[2][3]

Good to know: Over-the-counter supplements do not usually contain adequate amounts of vitamin B12 to correct a deficiency.^[11]

Prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency

While it may not be possible to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency in all cases, steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of the condition developing.

A person should speak to their healthcare practitioner about getting their vitamin B12 levels checked periodically if they:^[9]

• Use a proton pump inhibitor on a long-term basis
• Use an H2 blocker on a long-term basis
• Take metformin for their diabetes
• Are strict vegans
• Have conditions affecting the stomach
• Have had gastric surgery or surgery on the small intestine

People with conditions that may interfere with the absorption of the vitamin, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, as well as those over the age of 50, should also discuss their vitamin B12 needs with a healthcare practitioner.^[9]

It is recommended that strict vegans (and sometimes vegetarians) and people over 50 include bread, cereals, or other food products that have been fortified with vitamin B12 in their diet, and/or take a supplement.^[9]

Complications of vitamin B12 deficiency

Occasionally, a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause complications. These depend on the severity and duration of the deficiency, but may include:^[7][3]

• Neurological problems. These may include vision disturbances, memory loss, pins and needles, difficulty walking or speaking, and damage to the nerves (peripheral neuropathy), particularly in the legs. Occasionally, some of these problems may be irreversible.
• Infertility. A vitamin B12 deficiency may cause women to be unable to fall pregnant. However, this is usually reversible with treatment.
• Stomach cancer. In cases of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anemia, the risk of developing stomach cancer may be increased.
• Neural tube defects. Pregnant women with a vitamin B12 deficiency may be at an increased risk of their baby developing serious birth defects such as spina bifida.

In addition, anemia of all kinds can sometimes cause serious heart and lung complications. These include a fast heartbeat and heart failure.^[3] Read more about anemia complications »

To prevent complications, people who suspect they may have a vitamin B12 deficiency are advised to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner without delay.

Other names for vitamin B12 deficiency

• Cobalamin deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency FAQs

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1. Nursing Times. “Anaemia, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.” February 6, 2009. Accessed November 1, 2017. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

2. Patient. “Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Pernicious Anaemia.” July 3, 2016. Accessed November 1, 2017. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

3. Patient. “Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency.” June 24, 2016. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

4. Annual Review of Nutrition. “Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly.” 1999. Accessed November 1, 2017. ↩ ↩

5. The Guardian. “Everything you need to know about vitamin B12 deficiency.” February 28, 2017. Accessed November 1, 2017. ↩

6. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. “Anaemia – B12 and folate deficiency – Summary.” July, 2015. Accessed November 1, 2017. ↩

7. NHS Direct Wales. “Anaemia, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.” June 20, 2016. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

8. National Institutes of Health. “Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Consumers.” February 17, 2016. Accessed November 1, 2017. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

9. Harvard Health Publishing. “Vitamin B12 deficiency can be sneaky, harmful.” January 10, 2013. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

10. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. “Anaemia – B12 and folate deficiency – Causes.” July, 2015. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩

11. American Family Physician. “Vitamin B12.” March 1, 2003. Accessed November 4, 2017. ↩ ↩

12. American Family Physician. “Vitamin B12 Deficiency.” March 1, 2003. Accessed November 4, 2017. ↩ ↩ ↩

13. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. “Anaemia – B12 and folate deficiency – Diagnosis.” July, 2015. Accessed November 4, 2017. ↩ ↩

14. European Journal of General Medicine. “Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Some Observations, Some Misconceptions.” 2015. Accessed December 12, 2018. ↩

15. Boulder Medical Center. “Nutrition Recommendations for Those Who Consume Alcohol.” Accessed November 6, 2017. ↩

16. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Effects of moderate alcohol consumption on folate and vitamin B(12) status in postmenopausal women.” November, 2004. Accessed November 6, 2017. ↩

17. European Journal of Internal Medicine. “Functional vitamin B12 deficiency in alcoholics: an intriguing finding in a retrospective study of megaloblastic anemic patients.” April, 2010. Accessed November 6, 2017. ↩

**Question:**⁤ What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?



**Answer:**

Vitamin B12 deficiency⁤ is a condition that develops when your body does⁢ not have⁢ enough vitamin‍ B12. Vitamin‍ B12 is an essential vitamin that your body needs to function properly. It helps your body make‌ red blood cells, DNA, and nerves. [[1]]



Symptoms of ‍Vitamin B12 deficiency can include:

Fatigue and weakness

Anemia

Nervous system problems

Mood changes

Digestive problems

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by:

Not eating enough foods that contain ⁤vitamin‍ B12

Having a malabsorption problem that⁢ prevents your body from absorbing vitamin B12

Taking certain medications that can ⁤interfere with vitamin B12 absorption

Age-related ​changes in your stomach that make it more difficult​ to absorb vitamin B12>[[1]]



Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency typically ​involves taking‌ a vitamin B12 ⁤supplement. In some cases, ⁤you may need to receive injections of vitamin B12. [[2]]



Vitamin B12 deficiency is⁤ a common condition, especially⁣ among vegetarians and ⁢older adults. [[2]] If you​ are experiencing any of the symptoms of vitamin B12 ‍deficiency, it is important to‍ see your ⁢doctor for a blood test to check your vitamin B12 levels.