This article discusses the lack of vitamin B12 shortly.

Source of vitamin B12 in the diet - which is derived from animal products - eggs, fish, meat, milk, cheese, etc. So, vegans (who eat no animal products) are likely to develop vitamin B12. It takes about 3 years to deplete vitamin B12 stored in the body. By measuring the level of vitamin B12 in the blood, might be diagnosed. Early treatment with oral vitamin B12 avoid the consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 is without doubt one among many essential members of the B vitamins His other name is cobalamin.

Support DNA synthesis (folic acid also contributes to the synthesis of DNA) for the proper functioning of the bone marrow that produces blood cells. Vitamin B12 (folic acid), also maintains the integrity of the myelin sheath (cover) nerves.

Therefore, the results of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia and nerve damage.

Anemia - megaloblastic anemia due to reduced production of red blood cells .. Another function that bone marrow might be affected causing decreased production of white blood cells and platelets, pancytopenia is known as, all types of blood cell production is reduced.








Nervous system
Peripheral neuropathy - involvement of peripheral nerves leading to tingling and numbness in the distribution of gloves and socks.
The spinal cord - Subacute combined degeneration - Results of the difficulty walking - a spastic gait.
Dementia - cognitive function.
Optic atrophy - blindness.

Causes of Vitamin B12
Pernicious anemia - is a disease in which patients can't absorb vitamin B12 due to autoimmune damage against the wthe entire stomach that secrete intrinsic factor antibodies and intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is required for B12 absorbable.
The terminal ileum - B12 is absorbed here. Therefore, Crohn's disease affecting this part and the terminal ileum resection can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Stomach - gastrectomy, atrophic gastritis - due to lack of intrinsic factor.
A dietary deficiency - mostly strict vegetarians who consume no animal protein. Any deficiency may be present in vegetarians. Older people can eat nearly vegetarian diet for various reasons. Deficiency is likely to be mild.
Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, as may occur in the blind loop syndrome, fistulas, diverticula of the jejunum and celiac disease (subject to bacterial growth). The bacteria use as much as B12. The same goes for fish tape worm (Diphyllobothrium latum) infection that uses as much as B12.

Treatment - B12 injection, 1 mg IM injections every other day x6. Then every 3 months. During early treatment may require additional iron and K. Sensory neuropathy improved 6 months to 1 year. Nerve damage can't improve long.
Dietary deficiency might be treated with tablets of vitamin B12. Bacterial overgrowth is treated with antibiotics such as tetracycline.

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