July 28, 2026 - In addition to correcting the deficiency, an important aspect of management is determining the underlying cause because the need for additional testing, the duration of therapy, and the route of administration may differ depending on the underlying cause. This topic review discusses the major causes of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, along with their pathophysiology.

March 13, 2026 - As an example, the low level of B12 can be caused by cancers that damage either the stomach or the area where food is absorbed. But this is not common. Some people may wonder if cancer is deficiency of B12, but that is a common myth. Cancer is a complex disease, not just a lack of a vitamin.

March 22, 2025 - Toxin exposure: Exposure to nitrous oxide can cause vitamin B12 deficiency and neurologic symptoms. Metformin treatment can cause B12 deficiency.

August 19, 2021 - Pernicious anaemia is only one potential, but very likely, cause of low vitamin B12 levels. The NHS added that people who follow a vegan diet are also at risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency.

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January 12, 2024 - It can have non-specific symptoms, and in patients who are in a very critical state, it can lead to neurological or hematological abnormalities. While pernicious anemia used to be the main cause...

August 10, 2023 - I still supplement with vitamin b-12 and the latest tests don’t show any deficiency – my folate is still off the charts – my rbc count is low but my iron levels are at the high end. I have gone to a number of physicians but to no avail – any ideas? ... It sounds like you are having some neurological symptoms and also fatigue with walking long distances, and you’re trying to find out what might be causing this. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms and if the deficiency goes on a long time, they may not completely reverse once vitamin B12 levels are restored to normal.

February 5, 2026 - Lack of vitamin B12 in your diet: People who don’t eat enough foods that have vitamin B12 or don’t eat foods fortified with B12 can develop a deficiency. Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, and it’s a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.

January 19, 2026 - Absorption problems, not diet alone, are a major reason B12 deficiency is missed Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is widely recognized as a vital nutrient for energy production, red blood cell formation, and nerve function.

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March 13, 2026 - Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop for the following reasons: Absence of intrinsic factor, also called pernicious anemia: Intrinsic factor is a protein secreted by cells of the stomach lining.

For example, a gastrectomy, a surgical procedure where part of your stomach is removed, increases your risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Some conditions that affect your intestines can also stop you absorbing the necessary amount of vitamin B12. For example, Crohn's disease, a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, can sometimes mean your body does not get enough vitamin B12.

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October 1, 2020 - Vitamin B12 is one of the most important vitamins for your body: it contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, plays a part in the normal formation of red blood cells and supports a normal energy-yielding metabolism. This water-soluble vitamin is found mainly in animal-based foods such as eggs, dairy, fish and meat. A vitamin B12 deficiency is fairly common, though – especially in older people and on a vegan diet.

March 25, 2026 - Vitamin B12 is found in foods including meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy and fortified products. Low vitamin B12 levels can be caused by diet, age, medication, and medical conditions and procedures.

October 3, 2025 - Overview of cirrhosis symptoms, such as fatigue and severe itchy skin, and cirrhosis causes, including alcohol-associated liver disease and viral hepatitis.

September 16, 2025 - Vitamin deficiency anemia is having too few healthy red blood cells. It happens when the body has too little vitamin B-12 and folate. Not eating enough foods that have vitamin B-12 and folate can cause vitamin deficiency anemia.

September 15, 2017 - Screening may be warranted in patients with one or more risk factors, such as gastric or small intestine resections, inflammatory bowel disease, use of metformin for more than four months, use of proton pump inhibitors or histamine H2 blockers for more than 12 months, vegans or strict vegetarians, and adults older than 75 years. Initial laboratory assessment should include a complete blood count and serum vitamin B12 level. Measurement of serum methylmalonic acid should be used to confirm deficiency in asymptomatic high-risk patients with low-normal levels of vitamin B12.

It is caused by: Lack of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein made in the stomach. It is needed to absorb vitamin B-12. This type of B-12 deficiency anemia is called pernicious anemia.

June 16, 2026 - Additionally, medications for conditions such as diabetes, seizures, or infections can also cause issues with vitamin B12 absorption. Vegans or Vegetarians: the majority of foods naturally containing vitamin B12 are animal-derived, so those who adhere to a strict vegan or vegetarian diet may develop a vitamin B12 deficiency over time.