Causes
Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur in individuals who suffer from mal-absorption syndromes, which hinder the body's absorption of the vitamin. It also occurs in those who follow strict vegetarian diets, which do not allow the ingestion of any animal products whatsoever. Taking drugs such as prilosec that inhibit gastric secretion can also cause this condition.
Effects
According to the National Institutes of Health, B12 deficiency has been found to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as bone fractures. It can cause hearing loss and urinary incontinence in the elderly. A condition called pernicious anemia results from a chronic B12 deficiency.
Symptoms
Symptoms of B12 deficiency include depression, memory loss, confusion, fatigue, glossitis (tongue inflammation) and anemia.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of a vitamin B12 deficiency is commonly based on a measurement of the patient's serum vitamin B12 levels.
Treatment
May be remedied by means of B12 supplements formulated for oral intake or in injectable form.
Tags: means supplements, results from, Vitamin deficiency