Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

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Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency anemia is a blood problem that occurs when there is not enough of this vitamin in the body. Vitamin B₁₂ helps make red blood cells; without enough vitamin B₁₂, the body does not produce enough red blood cells, and cells throughout the body do not get the oxygen they need.

Vitamin B₁₂ (also called cobalamin) is found in animal products such as meat, eggs, and milk products. Most people get more than enough of this vitamin from the food they eat. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency anemia usually develops when the body cannot absorb this vitamin from food. It can also develop if a person's diet does not include enough of this vitamin.

A mild deficiency may not cause symptoms. As the anemia becomes worse, symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, poor sense of balance, and depression. Symptoms caused by damage to the brain and nerve cells may become permanent if the condition is not treated right away.

If vitamin B₁₂ deficiency anemia is suspected, the doctor will do a physical exam, take a medical history, and order blood tests that can help diagnose this condition.

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency anemia is treated with supplements of vitamin B₁₂. These may be given as shots, pills, or a nasal spray. Vitamin B₁₂ pills contain a higher dose of vitamin B₁₂ than a regular vitamin pill. You don't need to worry about getting too much vitamin B₁₂, because your body will pass extra vitamin B₁₂ out in the urine. Most people need to take supplements for the rest of their lives to keep the condition from returning.

Credits

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman