Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia is when the body lacks essential nutrients to form healthy red blood cells. This condition can cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Vitamin B12 and folate are essential nutrients for the human body. Both are involved in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. A deficiency of vitamin B12 or/and folate can cause a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Anemia Symptom
Following are some common symptoms of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia:
- Fatigue and weakness
Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate can result in insufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to prolonged fatigue and weakness.
- Hard to breathe
Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate can result in abnormal red blood cells or insufficient numbers to carry oxygen throughout the body. This can cause shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat.
- Dizziness and headache
Deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate can cause neurological disorders, such as dizziness and headaches. This is due to damage to the nervous system due to nutritional deficiencies.
- Chest pain
Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate can cause chest pain and other heart problems. Insufficient red blood cells can lead to heart muscle being deprived of oxygen and damaged.
Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Anemia Reason
1. Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Diet. Food sources containing vitamin B12 are meat, eggs, and milk, so a lack of consumption of these types of foods can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Pernicious anemia occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the stomach that produce intrinsic factor. Without this substance, vitamin B12 cannot be properly absorbed in the intestines.
- Gastric surgery. If part of the stomach or intestine has been surgically removed, it can reduce the amount of intrinsic factor produced and the amount of space available for vitamin B12 absorption.
- Intestinal problems. Crohn’s disease and celiac disease can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.
2. Folic Acid Deficiency
- Lack of consumption of foods high in vitamin B9 such as dark green leafy vegetables and liver
- Bowel diseases such as celiac disease
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Prescription medications, such as some anti-seizure medications
- Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding have increased folate needs, as do people on dialysis for kidney disease.
Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Anemia Treatment
Anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, usually patients will take vitamin supplements to increase nutrient levels in the body. Vitamin B12 and folate supplements can be in the form of pills, injections or infusion therapy. In more severe cases, blood transfusion therapy can be done to replace deficient red blood cells.
In addition, changes in diet can also help improve vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia. Foods that contain vitamin B12 include meat, fish, milk, and eggs, while foods rich in folate include green vegetables, beans, citrus fruits, and whole wheat bread. Consuming foods rich in these nutrients regularly can help improve anemia and prevent future nutritional deficiencies.
For cases of anemia due to other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or chronic infection, treatment begins with the underlying disease first. Antibiotic or corticosteroid therapy may be needed in cases of chronic infection, while treatment of inflammatory bowel disease may involve the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressive drugs.
Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Anemia Complications
Although rare, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia (with or without anemia) can cause complications, especially if it occurs over time. Complications that occur include:
- Pregnancy complications. A developing fetus that does not get enough folate from its mother can have birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.
- Nervous system disorders. Prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neurological problems, such as persistent tingling in the hands and feet or balance problems. It can also cause mental confusion and forgetfulness.
- Gastric cancer. Pernicious anemia increases the risk of stomach or colon cancer.
Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Anemia Prevention
Some ways to do prevention include:
- Regularly consume foods high in vitamin B12, such as meat, eggs, salmon, cod, milk and dairy products.
- Regularly consume foods high in folic acid, such as cabbage, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, avocado, and peas.
- It is recommended to consume multivitamin supplements if your body feels that it is lacking in vitamin intake.
- Check your health condition regularly.