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Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Difference between revisions
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(Created page with "Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in brain function, nerve tissue health, and the production of red blood cells. A deficie...") |
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The body cannot produce Vitamin B12, so it must be obtained from animal-based foods or supplements. The most common causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency include: | The body cannot produce Vitamin B12, so it must be obtained from animal-based foods or supplements. The most common causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency include: | ||
# ''Inadequate Dietary Intake:'' Vegetarians, vegans, and older adults are at higher risk since plant-based diets are generally low in Vitamin B12. | # '''Inadequate Dietary Intake:''' Vegetarians, vegans, and older adults are at higher risk since plant-based diets are generally low in Vitamin B12. | ||
# ''Malabsorption Issues:'' Certain conditions, such as pernicious anemia, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease, can hinder the absorption of Vitamin B12 from food. | # '''Malabsorption Issues:''' Certain conditions, such as pernicious anemia, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease, can hinder the absorption of Vitamin B12 from food. | ||
# ''Medication Interference:'' Some medications, including proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux and metformin for diabetes, may reduce the absorption of Vitamin B12. | # '''Medication Interference:''' Some medications, including proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux and metformin for diabetes, may reduce the absorption of Vitamin B12. | ||
# ''Gastric Surgery:'' Weight loss surgeries that involve the removal of part of the stomach or the end of the small intestine can lead to a deficiency. | # '''Gastric Surgery:''' Weight loss surgeries that involve the removal of part of the stomach or the end of the small intestine can lead to a deficiency. | ||
== Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency == | == Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency == | ||
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The symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency can be subtle and may take years to manifest, which includes: | The symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency can be subtle and may take years to manifest, which includes: | ||
* ''Fatigue and Weakness:'' Due to reduced red blood cell production, leading to less oxygen transport to the body's cells. | * '''Fatigue and Weakness:''' Due to reduced red blood cell production, leading to less oxygen transport to the body's cells. | ||
* ''Neurological Changes:'' Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, balance problems, depression, memory loss, and behavioral changes. | * '''Neurological Changes:''' Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, balance problems, depression, memory loss, and behavioral changes. | ||
* ''Gastrointestinal Issues:'' Nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. | * '''Gastrointestinal Issues:''' Nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. | ||
* ''Anemia:'' Characterized by pale or jaundiced skin, Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in megaloblastic anemia. | * '''Anemia:''' Characterized by pale or jaundiced skin, Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in megaloblastic anemia. | ||
== Diagnosis and Management == | == Diagnosis and Management == | ||
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Management includes: | Management includes: | ||
* ''Dietary Changes:'' Incorporating B12-rich foods like meat, eggs, dairy, and fortified cereals can help prevent and address deficiency. | * '''Dietary Changes:''' Incorporating B12-rich foods like meat, eggs, dairy, and fortified cereals can help prevent and address deficiency. | ||
* ''Supplements:'' Oral B12 supplements or fortified foods can be an effective treatment, particularly for individuals with dietary restrictions. | * '''Supplements:''' Oral B12 supplements or fortified foods can be an effective treatment, particularly for individuals with dietary restrictions. | ||
* ''Injections:'' For severe deficiency or absorption issues, Vitamin B12 injections may be necessary to bypass the digestive system. | * '''Injections:''' For severe deficiency or absorption issues, Vitamin B12 injections may be necessary to bypass the digestive system. | ||
== Prevention and Outlook == | == Prevention and Outlook == | ||