Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.
Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.
All Conditions
B12 Deficiency Anemia
B12 Deficiency Anemia
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
General
B12, also known as cobalamin, has a role in producing red blood cells, DNA and is essential for the proper function of our nervous system. Anemia occurs when there is a decreased amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Due to B12’s role in building RBC’s, lack of B12 may lead to anemia. This is a rather common cause for anemia, especially in the elderly. There are many causes for B12 deficiency. These include low dietary intake, inefficient absorption, some medications and more. Foods rich with B12 include meats, fish, eggs and dairy.
393 people with B12 Deficiency Anemia
Learn from others who are experiencing B12 Deficiency Anemia.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms include general symptoms of anemia such as -Fatigue -Weakness -Shortness of breath -Pale skin -Tongue swelling and tenderness (Glossitis) Symptoms that are more specifically found in patients with anemia due to B12 deficiency are neurological symptoms, due to B12’s role in proper function of the neurological system. These include -Sensations of pins and needles -Disequilibrium -Blurred vision -Mood Changes
Diagnosis
*CBC (complete blood count)*- This test gives information about the different cells that circulate in your blood. It includes information about white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It is a common test used routinely and is usually the first test the doctor will ask for when anemia is suspected. This test is sufficient in order to diagnose anemia. If anemia due to B12 deficiency is suspected, the doctor may ask to check Folate and B12 rates in your blood
Treatment
Treatment includes B12 supplementation, either by increasing dietary intake or by tablets. These are often combined with other vitamins. It is essential to treat folate deficiency as well if present. This is of course alongside with treating the source for deficiency if possible.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
'%3e%3cpath%20d='M18.1275%2019.4574H9.64406L7.23721%2025.7665H0.535156L9.55128%203.73926H18.2836L27.2834%2025.7676H20.5333L18.1275%2019.4574ZM13.7264%208.01919C13.2352%209.40217%2012.5803%2011.177%2012.052%2012.5971L11.3163%2014.5793H16.4575L15.7185%2012.5655C15.2087%2011.1639%2014.5516%209.3978%2014.0539%208.01919H13.7264Z'%20fill='%23222222'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M29.5195%203.10938H35.5612V25.7665H29.5195V3.10938Z'%20fill='%23222222'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M39.5898%2010.0332H45.6479V25.7678H39.5898V10.0332Z'%20fill='%23222222'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M49.6562%203.10938H55.6979V16.8923L55.7765%2016.9075L60.4025%2010.0319H67.5139L61.6141%2017.8364L67.861%2025.7665H60.576L55.7765%2018.8439L55.6979%2018.8592V25.7665H49.6562V3.10938Z'%20fill='%23222222'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M79.9824%2019.2785C79.6986%2020.2576%2078.7609%2020.9627%2077.5133%2021.157C75.8072%2021.4234%2074.4865%2020.5992%2073.9669%2018.7011L85.5121%2016.8978C84.9784%2011.6464%2081.0925%208.98853%2075.8531%209.80719C70.474%2010.6477%2067.4799%2014.5226%2068.221%2019.2643C68.9589%2023.9907%2072.9834%2026.8178%2078.3942%2025.9729C82.9743%2025.2579%2086.1594%2022.2791%2086.1136%2018.3147L79.9824%2019.2785ZM76.5866%2013.7062C77.9074%2013.5686%2078.8985%2014.1341%2079.3995%2015.2485L73.9822%2015.8107C74.3566%2014.61%2075.2604%2013.8437%2076.5866%2013.7062Z'%20fill='%23222222'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M42.6056%207.87737C40.3156%207.87737%2038.5898%206.37214%2038.5898%204.37571C38.5898%202.38147%2040.3167%200.878418%2042.6056%200.878418C44.8946%200.878418%2046.6214%202.38147%2046.6214%204.37571C46.6225%206.37214%2044.8957%207.87737%2042.6056%207.87737Z'%20fill='%23222222'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0'%3e%3crect%20width='85.5768'%20height='25.243'%20fill='white'%20transform='translate(0.535156%200.878418)'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.
© 2020-2024 Alike, Inc