What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Common Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dietary Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is predominantly found in animal-derived foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. Those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, since they don’t consume enough of these foods, risk deficiency. Without B12 supplements or fortified foods, they may not meet the body’s needs.

Phil Ross, M.S. CPT

According to Phil Ross, M.S., CPT, athletes on restrictive diets often face deficiencies due to insufficient intake of nutrients from animal products. He recommends a B12 supplement in the form of methylcobalamin, which is highly bioavailable, combined with folate-rich foods or a custom B9 supplement as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.

Additionally, malabsorption issues within the digestive system can further exacerbate this deficiency. So, you might want to keep an eye on your B12 levels and consider dietary adjustments if you’re on plant-based diets.

Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition that significantly impacts Vitamin B12 absorption. In this disorder, the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells responsible for producing intrinsic factor, a protein essential for B12 absorption in the small intestine.

Without intrinsic factor, even a diet rich in Vitamin B12 cannot prevent deficiency, as the body becomes unable to properly absorb the nutrient.

Medications

A lack of gastric acid, due to PPI or H2RA use (or pathophysiologic conditions that affect gastric acid production, such as atrophic gastritis), will reduce the digestive capacity to release vitamin B-12 from foods, and thus reduce the amount of vitamin B-12 that is absorbed in the body. - Joshua W Miller.

Metformin, a widely prescribed medication for diabetes, also poses a risk by affecting B12 absorption. A 2023 study admits;

Metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency by reducing the absorption of the IF complex through the enteral cubilin receptor in the terminal ileum… - Ehsan Sayedali, et al.

Aging

As people age, their bodies naturally produce less stomach acid and intrinsic factor, both of which are crucial for Vitamin B12 absorption. This decline makes older adults more susceptible to deficiency.

As a preventive measure, the elderly should monitor their B12 status and adjust their diets or take supplements as needed to maintain adequate levels of this vital nutrient.

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Risk Factors for B12 Deficiency

Here are the key factors that increase the risk of developing this deficiency:

• Age-Related Decline in B12 Absorption: Older adults are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, which can include fatigue, weakness, and memory issues.
• Certain Medical Conditions: Medical conditions like Crohn's disease and celiac disease can significantly affect nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to Vitamin B12 deficiency. These conditions cause inflammation and damage to the intestines, hindering the body's ability to absorb B12. The B12 deficiency neurological symptoms, such as numbness and tingling in the limbs, often accompany these diseases.
• History of Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries can alter the digestive system significantly, impacting how nutrients, including Vitamin B12, are absorbed.

  Post-surgery, patients often experience a decrease in stomach acid production and intrinsic factor, leading to deficiency.

• Strict Vegetarian or Vegan Diets: Those following strict vegetarian or vegan diets may not consume adequate amounts of Vitamin B12, as it is primarily found in animal products. Without sufficient intake or supplementation, these diets can lead to deficiency.

READ ALSO: What Is Vitamin B12 Good For

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency

• Fatigue and Weakness: A lack of Vitamin B12 can cause fatigue and weakness, as the body struggles to produce enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively. This is often one of the earliest vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
• Pale Skin: Anemia caused by B12 deficiency can result in pale or jaundiced skin, as reduced red blood cell production affects the skin's appearance.
• Shortness of Breath: Due to anemia, you may experience shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity, as your bodies work harder to get oxygen to vital organs.
• Neurological Symptoms: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. These B12 deficiency neurological symptoms arise from nerve damage and require prompt attention for effective treatment.
• Mental Health Issues: Deficiency in B12 can also impact mental health, leading to anxiety or depression, and memory problems. Understanding what causes vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms can help address these cognitive effects.
• Digestive Problems: Digestive issues, including nausea and constipation, can occur as part of the 4 stages of B12 deficiency, affecting overall nutrient absorption and gastrointestinal health.

While conducting our research, we discovered an insightful YouTube Video by Dr James O'Donovan, who explains key things you need to know about Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Doctor explains Vitamin B12 Deficiency | Causes, Symptoms, Foods, Treatment, and more! (Video Credit: Doctor O'Donovan Official)

Diagnosing B12 Deficiency

Diagnosing Vitamin B12 deficiency typically begins with a blood test that measures the level of B12 in the bloodstream. These tests are crucial for identifying vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms and determining what causes vitamin B12 deficiency.

A low level of B12 might suggest the presence of anemia or nerve-related issues. This test can indicate the 4 stages of B12 deficiency, helping to pinpoint the severity and guide vitamin B12 deficiency treatment.

In addition to blood tests, doctors may perform tests to assess nerve damage or anemia, which can provide further insights into B12 deficiency. These tests are particularly important for identifying B12 deficiency neurological symptoms, such as numbness and tingling; apparent in early stages.

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You need to understand the full scope of what causes vitamin B12 deficiency in males and females, and recognize how long to recover from vitamin B12 deficiency might take. While these tests do not directly indicate if vitamin B12 deficiency can be a sign of cancer, they help rule out other potential causes and ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.

ALSO READ: How Vitamin B12 Supports Nerve and Brain Health

Treating B12 Deficiency

You can use supplements to treat Vitamin B12 deficiency. These can be administered orally, through injections, or via nasal sprays.

Injections of B12, such as hydroxocobalamin, are commonly employed when rapid improvement is necessary, usually for those with severe deficiency or pernicious anemia. Oral supplements are often suitable for less severe cases, while nasal sprays provide an alternative for those who prefer not to take pills.

Each method aims to restore normal B12 levels and reduce associated symptoms, including fatigue and neurological issues. Still, how long to recover from vitamin B12 deficiency can vary based on the individual and the deficiency's severity.

Dietary changes are another critical aspect of vitamin B12 deficiency treatment. Taking lots of B12-rich foods, like meat, fish, dairy, and fortified cereals, can help, especially for those whose deficiency is diet-related.

Preventing B12 Deficiency

• Dietary Sources: eat lots of meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. These foods provide ample amounts of B12 and help mitigate vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
• Fortified Foods: Opt for cereals and plant-based supplements. Milk fortified with B12, especially if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. These options can help address what causes vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms and support overall nutrient intake.

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• B12 Supplements: Consider Vitamin B12 supplements if you're in an at-risk group, such as older adults or those with gastrointestinal issues. Supplements can be crucial for those wondering how long to recover from vitamin B12 deficiency.

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