Who is most at risk for B12 deficiency?

Any person can develop vitamin B12 deficiency at any age. People who are 60 years old or older are more likely to have vitamin B12 deficiency compared to other age groups.

What is the most common cause of B12 deficiency?

Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. An autoimmune condition means your immune system, the body's natural defence system that protects against illness and infection, attacks your body's healthy cells.

Where is B12 deficiency most common?

Because the ability to absorb B12 from food declines with age, deficiency is more common in older adults. Still, that doesn't mean children and younger adults, including those who are pregnant and breastfeeding, can't develop B12 deficiency ( 5 , 6 ).

Who is more prone to B12 deficiency in American society?

In the United States, the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is less than 5% in young and middle-aged adults but is between 5 and 10% in the elderly population. However, marginal vitamin B12 status is more common, with an estimated 20% of individuals 60 years and older affected.

Do most people have B12 deficiency?

Most people in the U.S. get enough of this nutrient. If you're not sure, you can ask your doctor if you should get a blood test to check your vitamin B12 level. With age, it can become harder to absorb this vitamin.

Dangers of vitamin B12 deficiency

What are the warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?

What causes low B12 in adults?

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.

Can B12 deficiency run in families?

It tends to run in families and is most common in people over 60. It affects women more than men. If you have another autoimmune disease, such as Addison's disease, you may be more likely to develop pernicious anaemia.

Is B12 deficiency genetic?

Deficiency of vitamin B12 has been linked to dietary, environmental and genetic factors.

Do symptoms of B12 deficiency come and go?

The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can develop slowly and worsen over time. Some symptoms may be experienced by people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency without anemia. Some people may experience no symptoms, despite low levels of vitamin B12.

How long does it take to recover from B12 deficiency?

Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.

What autoimmune disease causes pernicious anemia?

Pernicious anemia is sometimes seen in association with certain autoimmune endocrine diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, hypoparathyroidism, Addison's disease, and Graves' disease.

What helps B12 absorption?

In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes unbind vitamin B12 into its free form. From there, vitamin B12 combines with a protein called intrinsic factor so that it can be absorbed further down in the small intestine. Supplements and fortified foods contain B12 in its free form, so they may be more easily absorbed.

Can B12 deficiency affect teeth?

VITAMIN B12. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can increase your risk of a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis.

Does Vit B12 deficiency cause weight gain?

People with vitamin B12 deficiency are likely to experience a wide range of symptoms, though weight gain is unlikely one of them. If you're experiencing unexplained weight gain, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the root cause.

Can low B12 cause hair loss?

Symptoms of low B12 often occur when blood level drops below 300 ng/l and include hair loss, breathlessness, lack of energy palpitations, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, tingling in the hands and feet.

Does alcohol affect B12?

Drinking alcohol regularly for more than two weeks decreases vitamin B12 absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

How can I raise my B12 levels fast?

Does low B12 affect breathing?

Shortness of breath

Anemia that results from vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause a person to feel a little short of breath. It is possible to link this to a lack of red blood cells and a fast heartbeat. Anyone who is experiencing real difficulty breathing should see a doctor straight away.

Does B12 deficiency cause yawning?

The anaemia of B₁₂ deficiency can present in various ways

It can also present as continual sighing or yawning. The low red blood cell count may lead to an increased flow state perceived as pulsatile tinnitus.

Is it good to take vitamin B12 tablets?

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.

What is the typical appearance of patients with pernicious anemia?

Typically, patients with pernicious anemia are described as having a stereotypic appearance: they have a lemon-yellow waxy pallor with premature whitening of the hair, and they appear flabby, with a bulky frame that is generally incongruent with the severe anemia and weakness.

What is the difference between pernicious anemia and B12 deficiency?

Pernicious anemia involves autoimmune inflammation in the stomach and the inability to absorb vitamin B12 in the small intestine. While vitamin B12 deficiency anemia may be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in the diet, pernicious anemia is caused by an inability to absorb vitamin B12.

What age does pernicious anemia occur?

In adults, symptoms of pernicious anemia are usually not seen until after age 30. The average age of diagnosis is age 60. You are more likely to develop this disease if you: Are Scandinavian or Northern European.