What You Should Know About Metformin and Vitamin B12, The Link Between Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Stroke. At Healthy and Natural World, our mission is to empower people to take control of their own health by providing comprehensive, practical and well researched information. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. include protected health information. This type, called macrocytic anemia, can be identified with a blood smear. The symptoms may start out mild or barely noticeable at first, but as the deficiency worsens, symptoms become more noticeable and severe. According to Harvard Health, a severe vitamin B12 deficiency can usually be corrected with either regular vitamin B12 shots or high-dose B12 pills or capsules. Before the vitamin B12 deficiency was reversed, the man experienced difficulty walking, lower limb weakness, and general fatigue. Fish, such as catfish and salmon; and seafood, such as clams and oysters, Milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified vegan milk substitutes, Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity, Confusion, slower thinking, forgetfulness, and memory loss, Glossitis, which is a painful, smooth, red tongue. The B12 from oral supplements or foods won't be properly absorbed. However, did you know that there could be other reasons why you feel tired all the time? Studied at Ketogenic Diet Author has 247 answers and 540.1K answer views 1 y. Most people can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency by consuming enough of it in their diet. According to the Journal of American Family Physician, symptoms unique to vitamin B12 deficiency are a red, swollen tongue and tingling in the hands or feet as well as unexplained weight loss. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Vitamin B12 is found in many food sources. According to the Mayo Clinic, lack of intrinsic factor may be caused by an autoimmune disease that mistakenly attacks the cells in the stomach that make it. Stomach cancer. You may have long-lasting symptoms even after treatment. Medication. Youll need a little more if youre pregnant or breastfeeding. It also helps your body make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You may need to continue taking B12 supplements even after your symptoms improve. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. (17), In one case, neurological symptoms were the only symptom for one adult who had lower than normal levels of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is generally considered safe. A unique indication of vitamin D deficiency is frequent injury due to the effect low vitamin D has on bones and muscles. The short of it is to maybe expect a recovery over months. (7). Warning Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and How to Fix It, Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer, Top Signs of Iron Deficiency and How To Increase Iron Levels In Your Blood, Common Defficincies Almost Everyone Has (and doesnt know about it), Top Signs That You Have Magnesium Deficiency and What to Do About It. By Peter Pressman, MD But its important to get help early. These include: Many sources of vitamin B12 come from animal proteins. You usually pee out what you dont need. Low B12 can cause the nerves in your brain, spinal cord, and elsewhere in your body to slowly degenerate. These tests can't confirm B12 deficiency on their own, though. Doctors report that low intrinsic factor with a B12 deficiency can cause symptoms such as breathlessness. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding have an increased demand for folate, as do people undergoing dialysis for kidney disease. People can have a vitamin B12 deficiency without having anemia. Langan RC, Goodbred AJ. Tea is also fine, but avoid drinking it with a meal, because tannins in tea block iron absorption. (Iron deficiency can lead to symptoms such as itchy skin.) Most people get enough vitamins from the foods they eat. 2015;93(11):678-82. Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you don't eat meat or animal products, you can get some vitamin B12 from fortified foods, like cereal or enriched bread, but it's harder to meet your needs. (14, 11). Inadequate B12 absorption can occur for a number of reasons. You may not have any improvement during the first few months of treatment. Depending on the severity of the vitamin B12 deficiency, it could take a few weeks to a few months to correct the symptoms. If your deficiency was caused by something other than a lack of intrinsic factor and is now corrected, you can meet your needs by consuming B12-rich foods in adequate amounts on a daily basis. One of the most common signs that you may lack sufficient levels of vitamin B12 is extreme tiredness. These include nerve conduction studies, which measure the speed of the electrical signals in your nerves. Older adults who have dementia usually dont think or remember better after treatment. People whove had surgery for weight loss or stomach cancer. This is why B12 deficiency has so many potential symptoms. For adults, the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms, we can safely take higher doses. DailyMed: Nascoba cyanocobalamin spray., Nutrients Vitamin B12 among Vegetarians: Status, Assessment and Supplementation, Vitamin B12-Containing Plant Food Sources for Vegetarians., Johns Hopkins Medicine: What to Know About Cancer Surgery.. This number goes up to almost 20% in adults over 60. information submitted for this request. Am Family Physician. If you have pernicious anemia, you dont make enough intrinsic factor. Langan RC, Goodbred AJ. The diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is based on blood tests. These usually need to be taken for 4 months. If left untreated, you may start to notice brain and nervous system symptoms. In the U.S., about 6% of adults under age 60 are deficient in B12. McGraw Hill; 2021. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. In: StatPearls. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Vitamin B12 deficiency: Recognition and management. But if you ignore your deficiency, here are some of the things that can happen. The many faces of cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency. This is because the effects and symptoms are so varied. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441923/). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What Type of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin (Anemia)? Some symptoms will "disappear" quite quickly whereas others may take months or even years. High levels of this amino acid are linked to brain issues and conditions like dementia and Alzheimers disease. One of the symptoms of B12 deficiency anemia is pale-looking skin. The only way to correct vitamin B12 deficiency in someone without intrinsic factor is to utilize B12 injections. Our body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. I read that Neurobian Forte has low B12 content. These blood cells die sooner than normal, leading to anemia. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. You can develop vitamin B12deficiency anemia if you do not eat enough food with vitamin B12, such as if you follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. The amount of time it takes to recover from vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the cause and severity of the deficiency. Recommended Daily Amounts of Vitamin B12, in micrograms (mcg), 2.4 mcg (mostly from fortified foods or a supplement). Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells. Aging. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Pernicious anemia, a deficiency in the production of red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12, can cause permanent neurological damage that can lead to death if it is untreated. A mild B 12 deficiency can be corrected General physical symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include: Neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include: Psychological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include: It can be difficult to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency because symptoms are not always present or the symptoms can be similar to other nutritional deficiencies. These categories can cause a range of symptoms. It Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. Merck Manual Professional Version. 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Treatment, including shots or supplements, can help you get healthy. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. One way that B12 malabsorption or a lack of vitamin B12 from your diet can affect your nerves is by causing tingling sensations. You should start to notice improvements within 6 months to a year through the intake of supplements and vitamin B12 rich foods. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2020. If you stick to a strict vegan diet or a vegetarian diet, it can be a challenge to get adequate amounts of vitamin B12. What is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency? If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting serious side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Office of Dietary Supplements. What you do or dont eat, along with certain surgeries or other health problems, may be the reason., Treatment for a B12 deficiency is pretty simple. Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may include: Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency typically develop gradually over the course of weeks or months. Since your body doesnt make vitamin B12, you have to get it from the foods you eat or from supplements. It can also be found in fortified foods (foods that have certain vitamins and nutrients added to them) such as certain cereals, bread and nutritional yeast. (12). It usually takes a few months for most people to see an improvement, which is often gradual. B12 helps your body make myelin. Studies show that high homocysteine levels, which go up with a B12 deficiency, are linked with worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, especially among vegetarians and older adults. The Benefits vs. Side Effects of Vitamin D. How Can You Increase Your Red Blood Cells? These include: Food. See More on Diet and Weight Management From WebMD. A physical exam may also help identify the signs of B12 deficiency. Pernicious anemia. However, there are Vitamin B12 (also called cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitaminwhich plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and is required to keep nerve cells healthy. Wolffenbuttel BHR, Wouters HJCM, Heiner-Fokkema MR, van der Klauw MM. Some reports indicate that it can take as long as 3 years for a vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms to show up after a person switches to a vegan diet. (10). References: Ankar A, Kumar A. Vitamin B12 Deficiency. WebVitamin B12-deficiency anaemia is often treated with a course of vitamin B12 injections, for example once a week for six weeks. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps your body make red blood cells and DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Front Med. When it comes to vitamin B12 and iron, omnivores are in luck. Quora - A place to share knowledge and better understand th However, oral supplements can be just as effective as vitamin B12 injections. Doctor has prescribed Neurobion Forte, 1 tablet per day for 3 months. If these symptoms are caused by a B12 deficiency, theyll likely get better once your levels are back to normal. It often takes three to six months to restore your iron levels. However, oral supplements or injections can help to fix a B12 deficiency. You may need to get a shot once a month for the rest of your life. You may not eat enough B12-rich foods if you drink a lot. Signs of neuropathy can include low sensation in your feet and poor reflexes. One of the neurological symptoms associated with a deficiency of B12 is problems associated with brain function and memory. (30), Non-animal options of vitamin B12 include nutritional yeast and vitamin B12 fortified products, such as B12 fortified almond milk and cereals, and some breads. Having a difficult time walking or speaking like you usually do. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. Take this quiz to see how much you know about vitamin B12. This type of vitamin-deficiency anemia causes large red blood cells and low hemoglobin. In some cases, a lack of adequate levels of vitamin B12 may cause psychotic episodes and mood disorders until the deficiency is corrected. Clinical Medicine. It may take a little longer for your nerve problems to improve. That's why you need to make sure you're regularly meeting your needs. If your deficiency is on the milder side, an over-the-counter multivitamin or B complex supplement is usually enough to do the trick. It also discusses treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency. The tongue should return to normal when the B12 deficiency is fixed. (85 g) serving of lambs liver can help boost your vitamin B12 levels. There are a number of reasons for having low B12 levels in your blood. It's somewhat common. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia happens when your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells because your body has a vitamin B12 deficiency. Babies born to mothers who have vitamin B12deficiency may have developmental delays and birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. WebA severe vitamin B12 deficiency may damage nerves, causing tingling or loss of sensation in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, difficulty walking, confusion, and dementia. Taking vitamin B-12 with vitamin C might reduce the available amount of vitamin B-12 in your body. A tapeworm infection will also make it more difficult to recover from a B12 deficiency. 3. Taking B12 supplements under the direction of your doctor can help to quickly fix a B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a complicated diagnosis. Some experts think its because your homocysteine levels go up when your B12 levels are too low. A person is diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency if the amount of vitamin B12 in their blood is less than 150 per mL. Good food sources of vitamin B12 include dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry. (1). In extreme A lot will depend on the severity and longevity of your B12 deficiency as to how long before there is no further improvement or recovery. If you have pernicious anaemia, ongoing regular injections will likely be how you manage your condition the long run. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and memory problems. WebThat said, B12 deficiency can present with balance issues. (11), In some cases, doctors recommend B12 supplementation for people suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. In one case, these low levels of B12 also resulted in extreme tiredness, hair changes, and hyperpigmentation. Biochim. Neurological disorders in vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency neuropathy; a rare diagnosis in young adults: a case report, Molecular and cellular effects of vitamin B12 in brain, myocardium and liver through its role as co-factor of methionine synthase, Vitamin B12 deficiency: recognition and management, The many faces of cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency, Bariatric surgery and long-term nutritional issues, Laboratory evaluation for vitamin B12 deficiency: the case for cascade testing, Diagnosis and treatment of macrocytic anemias in adults, Oral vitamin B12 replacement for the treatment of pernicious anemia, Vitamin B12 - Fact sheet for health professionals, Anemia, when you don't have enough red blood cells, Fatigue, dizziness, paleness, and a rapid heart rate, Tingling, numbness, weakness, and balance problems, Cognitive decline when the brain has difficulty with things like memory and judgment, Inflammatory gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like, Prolonged use of certain medications like the diabetes medication. People with this condition may also have neuropathy-like symptoms. Vitamin deficiency anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower than usual amounts of vitamin B-12 and folate. Higher doses can cause unwanted side effects. People with psychosis have a hard time telling the difference between what is real and what is not real. This B12 deficiency symptom is called glossitis and occurs in around one-quarter of people with B-vitamin deficiencies. Ques: How Much B12 should we take a day and how long does it take to recover from Vitamin B12 Deficiency? Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important micronutrient that is essential for DNA synthesis and providing your cells with energy. Foods that are good sources of vitamin B12 include: The recommended daily amounts of vitamin B12 depend on your age, your sex, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Older adults tend to have less of the stomach acid you need to absorb B12 from food. 2017; 96(6): 384-389. One serving of liver contains 65 mcg of vitamin B12 which is 2700% of your recommended daily vitamin B12 intake. Because of this, long-term vegetarians or vegans who don't take B12 supplements are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. Medicines to treat heartburn, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), work by suppressing stomach acid. Myelopathy is an impairment of the spinal cord. Review/update the Once your levels are normal, you may need 100-500 micrograms a day or 1,000 micrograms one or two times a week. (3 marks) Ans. Most plant-based foods dont have much or any of this nutrient. Because of this, their body cannot properly absorb vitamin B12, which causes a vitamin B12 deficiency. But you might need them more often if you have more serious symptoms, like nerve problems, or your pernicious anemia is serious. At least 4% of people aged 40 to 59 years old. If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may have symptoms of anemia, problems with your nerves, sensory issues, or even dementia. The injection will help the vitamin absorb directly into your body. Over time, you may have numbness. In the United States, vitamin B12deficiency anemia is most often due to other risk factors. Vitamin B12 deficiency has two primary causes. More research is needed. Laboratory evaluation for vitamin B12 deficiency: the case for cascade testing. But over time, you may get symptoms such as: If your anemia goes untreated for a long time, it can lead to heart failure. (23), Vitamin B12 deficiency in children and adolescents can also affect mood. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4953733/). https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0915/p384.html. Some patients need lifelong B12 supplementation. WebIs this B12 deficiency? The National Institutes of Health reports that taking vitamin B12 is good if you have pernicious anemia, megaloblastic anemia, or absorption problems due to intrinsic factor. (8), According to the journal Nutrients, nori (edible seaweed) is a good food to help prevent a vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in people who are vegan. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The substantial hepatic storage of vitamin B 12 can delay clinical manifestations for up to 10 years after the onset of deficiency. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. All rights reserved. Most adults need these daily dietary amounts of the following vitamins: Pregnant and breastfeeding women may require more of each vitamin. A registered dietitian unpacks what vitamin B12 deficiency is, the vitamin also helps boost your recovery from a workout, as well. This is an immune system disorder that affects cells in your stomach. Because vitamin B12 plays a role in so many different functions in your body, a deficiency in the vitamin can manifest in many different ways and cause a wide array of symptoms that can sometimes make it difficult to diagnose. To prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency, your body needs to absorb this vitamin during digestion. AskMayoExpert. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional. So you could be on the right track. 2016;3:38. doi:10.3389/fmed.2016.00038. Healthy and Abnormal Blood Levels in Adults, 200 or lower (although levels may be normal in some cases). It takes up to seven years to digest swallowed chewing gum FALSE Chewing gum is made of sweeteners, preservatives and softeners, which your digestive system mostly breaks down, says Lambert. Folic acid tablets are used to restore folate levels. However, even though you absorb such a small amount, that's still almost 40 times more than the amount that you need for the entire day (which is 2.4 micrograms). Fixing levels of B12 quickly with oral supplementation can help to prevent or treat neurological symptoms. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. This article looks at the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. (4). If you suffer from constant tingling in your arms, hand, or feet, find out what else could be the cause. Approach to the anemias. Also known as cobalamin, it is a water-soluble vitamin found in meat, fish, and dairy. But you shouldnt take lots of it unless your doctor tells you to. By the time the condition gets detected, there might be some irreversible damage done already. Despite being a water-soluble, vitamin B12 gets stored in your liver, kidneys and other body tissues, so vitamin B12 deficiency can go unnoticed for a long time. Be sure to tell them about any medications or supplements youre taking. That includes conditions like Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. If you have been diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, you will no doubt wonder how long it will take to fix a B12 deficiency. But some may not. A folate deficiency can occur when people don't eat foods containing folate or their bodies are unable to absorb folate from food. In some cases, improving your diet can help treat the condition and prevent it coming back. A lock ( A locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Pernicious anemia. But study results have been mixed and questionable on whether vitamin B-12 Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. You have a family history of pernicious anemia. Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency usually consists of supplementation, but the type of supplement you need depends on the severity of your deficiency and what the underlying cause is. Some symptoms may take months to improve, depending on how serious they are. It is often treated with cyanocobalamin, a man-made form of vitamin B12. Neurons are the cells that receive and process information from the outside world. However, it can take up to six to 12 months before you fully National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. This could be an oral supplement or an injection. If the vitamin B12 deficiency is caught early, most people are able to get rid of their symptoms with treatment. Vegan or Vegetarian Diet. But this is rare. Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH): Vitamin B12., National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Anemia, Megaloblastic., National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Pernicious Anemia., Merck Manual: Vitamin B12 Deficiency., Nutrients: Cobalamin Deficiency: Clinical Picture and Radiological Findings, Neuroenhancement with Vitamin B12 Underestimated Neurological Significance., Clinical Medicine (Royal College of Physicians): Vitamin B12 deficiency A 21st century perspective., American Family Physician: Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Recognition and Management., American Journal of Preventive Medicine: Is vitamin B12 deficiency a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in vegetarians?, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health: Mood disorder with mixed, psychotic features due to vitamin b12 deficiency in an adolescent: case report., Journal of Tropical Pediatrics: Psychotic Disorder and Extrapyramidal Symptoms Associated with Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency., Neurology: Vitamin B12, cognition, and brain MRI measures., Neurobiology of Aging: Critical levels of brain atrophy associated with homocysteine and cognitive decline., American Cancer Risk Factors: Stomach Cancer Risk Factors., Journal of Reproductive Medicine: Vitamin B23 deficiency, infertility and recurrent fetal loss., NHS (UK): Complications: Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia., BMC Pulmonary Medicine: The diagnostic value of homocysteine for the occurrence and acute progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.. An apple a Its important to get help early. Vitamin B12 deficiency is also recognized as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. This is because vitamin B12 is also needed for your brain and your nerves to workproperly. WebOnce you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 monthsto fully recover. Here are some of the best foods to consume to enjoy a diet rich in vitamin B12: Liver and kidneys. Some studies have found an association between heartburn medications and increased risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency. Like nerve problems, these may show up with or without anemia. All of these may require Vitamin B12 supplementation for quick correction. Lets look in more detail as the main reasons for showing symptoms of a B12 deficiency. Theyre specialists trained to help you come up with a food plan you can stick to. Mood and memory troubles are common signs of a B12 deficiency. Depending on the cause of the deficiency, the person may only have to be treated until their vitamin B12 levels are back to normal, or they may have to take vitamin B12 therapy for the rest of their life. It can be treated with vitamin B12 medications. 2019;3(2):200-214. doi:10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.03.002. When they dont get enough of the vitamin, they can feel weak and tired, and it can cause other health problems. Once your deficiency is corrected and supplements aren't needed anymore, it's important to make sure that you're regularly getting enough vitamin B12 from the foods that you eat so you don't develop a deficiency again. Do they really help? One can of sardines contains 8.2 mcg vitamin B-12 which is 341% of your RDI. People with myelopathy may also have problems with proprioception. That means itll get into your body even if you have absorption problems. For example, a weak, rapid pulse or pale fingers may be a sign of anemia. If you have already been diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and are experiencing new or concerning symptoms, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider. Sometimes, you can help to fix a vitamin B12 deficiency or prevent anemia through diet. (9). (19), Other studies have shown that a lack of vitamin B12 or folate (vitamin B9) can result in megaloblastic anemia. Your doctor will probably check your blood every now and then to make sure your B12 levels are normal. If your doctor diagnoses you with vitamin B12deficiency anemia, your treatment will depend on the cause and seriousness of your condition. Because B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, your body doesn't store excess amounts of it, so even if you're getting high-dose injections or taking oral supplements, your body will still use only what it needs and then get rid of the rest through your urine. Sometimes you may have a deficiency and not know it. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, Risks. It might also stop your stomach from absorbing enough nutrients.. (8). symptoms become more noticeable and severe, Colorado State University: "Intrinsic Factor", National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: "Vitamin B12", American Family Physician: "Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Recognition and Management", Clinical Medicine: "Vitamin B12 Deficiency A 21st-Century Perspective", Harvard Health Publishing: "Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Be Sneaky, Harmful". In many cases, treatment can last weeks to months, but it's likely that you may experience some relief of symptoms even before your treatment is complete. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological and psychological symptoms. To screen for vitamin B12deficiency anemia, your healthcare provider may order blood tests to see whether you have low hemoglobin or vitamin B12 levels. I have also made dietary changes to include eggs and diary. Confusion or trouble communicating are common signs of dementia. (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0915/p384.html), (https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/). With this type of anemia, RBCs are large and may have varied shapes and sizes. You may still have the condition even if your vitamin B12 levels are normal. This usually depends on the cause of the deficiency. They usually have an odd shape, too. Vitamin B12 Because B12 anemia can become debilitating, doctors warn that a chronic vitamin B12 deficiency can be life-threatening. 2005-2023 WebMD LLC. (16). Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms in adults also include mouth ulcers, oral infections, and burning mouth syndrome. Most people have healthy levels of vitamin B12. One of the important roles of B12 is to help produce red blood cells of the proper size in your body. (9). In these cases, it might be a good idea to continue taking a supplement, just in case. (15), In one case, the B12 deficiency was corrected very quickly with one injection of 1,000 g of vitamin B12. The reason why it is so important to correct a vitamin B12 deficiency is that a lack of this vitamin can lead to macrocytic anemia. It is usually possible to completely correct a vitamin B12 deficiency within 6 weeks to 3 months. Theres some evidence that a lack of B12 can make it harder to get or stay pregnant.
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how long to recover from vitamin b12 deficiency