What health problems can low B12 cause?

Untreated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems, such as persistent tingling in the hands and feet or problems with balance. It can lead to mental confusion and forgetfulness because vitamin B-12 is necessary for healthy brain function.

mayoclinic.org - Vitamin deficiency anemia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Why does rubbing cucumbers get rid of bitterness?

The compound tends to be concentrated at the ends. Hence you rub the ends, sprinkling the salt helps in extracting the white milky fluid that...

Last updated Oct 14, 2022

What are the disadvantages of eating carrots?

A cup (236 grams) of carrot juice contains over 45,000 IU of vitamin A. Overconsumption of carrots may cause vitamin A toxicity, allergies,...

Last updated Aug 5, 2020

Promotion

Overview

Vitamin deficiency anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower than usual amounts of vitamin B-12 and folate. This can happen if you don't eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins. Without these nutrients, the body produces red blood cells that are too large and don't work properly. This reduces their ability to carry oxygen. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. Vitamin supplements, taken by pill or injection, can correct the deficiencies.

Symptoms

Vitamin deficiency anemia usually develops slowly over several months to years. Signs and symptoms may be subtle at first but usually increase as the deficiency worsens. These may include:

Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Pale or yellowish skin

Irregular heartbeats

Weight loss

Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

Muscle weakness

Personality changes

Unsteady movements

Mental confusion or forgetfulness

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry

Causes

What are the 5 super foods for weight loss?

20 Best Superfoods for Weight Loss Kale. Kale is a leafy green vegetable that's well known for its health-promoting properties. ... Berries....

Last updated Nov 30, 2020

Can I eat hot dogs on the keto diet?

Meats such as beef, poultry, fish, and seafood—cured meats such as sausage, ham, and hot dogs that are rich in fats and without artificial...

Last updated Feb 29, 2020

Promotion

Vitamin deficiency anemia can occur if you don't eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins.

Vitamin B-12 deficiencies

Low levels of vitamin B-12 can be caused by:

Diet. Vitamin B-12 is mainly found in meat, eggs and milk, so people who don't eat these types of foods may need to take B-12 supplements. Some foods have been fortified with B-12, including some breakfast cereals and some nutritional yeast products. Vitamin B-12 is mainly found in meat, eggs and milk, so people who don't eat these types of foods may need to take B-12 supplements. Some foods have been fortified with B-12, including some breakfast cereals and some nutritional yeast products. Pernicious anemia. This condition occurs when the body's immune system attacks cells in the stomach that produce a substance called intrinsic factor. Without this substance, B-12 can't be absorbed in the intestines. This condition occurs when the body's immune system attacks cells in the stomach that produce a substance called intrinsic factor. Without this substance, B-12 can't be absorbed in the intestines. Gastric surgeries. If portions of your stomach or intestines have been surgically removed, that can reduce the amount of intrinsic factor produced and the amount of space available for vitamin B-12 to be absorbed. If portions of your stomach or intestines have been surgically removed, that can reduce the amount of intrinsic factor produced and the amount of space available for vitamin B-12 to be absorbed. Intestinal problems. Crohn's disease and celiac disease can interfere with absorption of vitamin B-12, as can tapeworms that may be ingested from eating contaminated fish.

Folate deficiencies

Also known as vitamin B-9, folate is a nutrient found mainly in dark green leafy vegetables and liver. A folate deficiency can occur when people don't eat foods containing folate or their bodies are unable to absorb folate from food.

Absorption problems may be caused by:

Intestinal diseases such as celiac disease

Surgical removal or bypass of a large part of the intestines

Excessive alcohol consumption

Prescription drugs, such as some anti-seizure medications

Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding have an increased demand for folate, as do people undergoing dialysis for kidney disease. A lack of folate can cause birth defects during pregnancy. However, folate deficiency is less common now in countries that routinely add folate to food products such as breads, cereals and pasta.

What is the best fruit for belly fat?

Here are some fruits that are known to cut belly fat: Apple. Fresh and crunchy apples are packed with healthy flavonoids and fibres that may help...

Last updated Jul 21, 2020

Are all models underweight?

Through anonymous survey responses, the researchers found that 81% of models possess a Body Mass Index, or BMI, that would be classified as...

Last updated Oct 2, 2018

Promotion

Complications

Being deficient in vitamin B-12 or folate increases your risk of many health problems, including: Pregnancy complications. A developing fetus that doesn't get enough folate from its mother can develop birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. A developing fetus that doesn't get enough folate from its mother can develop birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Nervous system disorders. Untreated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems, such as persistent tingling in the hands and feet or problems with balance. It can lead to mental confusion and forgetfulness because vitamin B-12 is necessary for healthy brain function. Untreated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems, such as persistent tingling in the hands and feet or problems with balance. It can lead to mental confusion and forgetfulness because vitamin B-12 is necessary for healthy brain function. Gastric cancer. Pernicious anemia increases the risk of stomach or intestinal cancers.

Prevention

You can prevent some forms of vitamin deficiency anemia by choosing a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods.

Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include:

Beef, liver, chicken and fish

Eggs

Fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals

Milk, cheese and yogurt

Foods rich in folate include:

Broccoli, spinach, asparagus and lima beans

Oranges, lemons, bananas, strawberries and melons

Enriched grain products, such as bread, cereal, pasta and rice

Liver, kidneys, yeast, mushrooms and peanuts

Most adults need these daily dietary amounts of the following vitamins:

Vitamin B-12 — 2.4 micrograms (mcg)

— 2.4 micrograms (mcg) Folate or folic acid — 400 mcg

Pregnant and breastfeeding women may require more of each vitamin.

Most people get enough vitamins from the foods they eat. But if your diet is restricted or you've had gastric bypass surgery, you may wish to take a multivitamin.

mayoclinic.org - Vitamin deficiency anemia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Is it better to eat fiber or take a supplement?

Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation. It's best to get fiber from food, because...

Last updated Aug 7, 2020

What is the tastiest keto meal?

Whether you're looking to try the keto diet for the first time or add new dishes to your routine, these recipes have you covered. Salmon wasabi...

Last updated Dec 9, 2021

Promotion

Can I eat cottage cheese everyday for breakfast?

Cottage cheese is packed with protein, calcium and Vitamin D, and its yummy creaminess can be a good replacement for the tired old grapefruit half...

Last updated Oct 21, 2020

Promotion

What is the healthiest vegetable of all time?

1. Spinach. This leafy green tops the chart as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. That's because 1 cup (30 grams) of raw spinach provides...

Last updated Aug 28, 2018