Question 1

what is the most common cause of anemia and/or vitamin b12 deficiency in older adults?

Accepted Answer

: In women of reproductive age, blood loss through menstruations is a common cause of iron deficiency anemia. B12 deficiency is usually due to poor absorption resulting from lesions in the stomach and/or ileum. Alcohol abuse can cause deficiency of both iron and B12. In adult men iron deficiency anemia warrants an investigation of GI bleeding.
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Question 2

can pernicious anemia or severe vitamin b12 deficiency cause chronic non-specific duodenitis??

Accepted Answer

No: If pernicious anemia is treated with Vit B-12 injections the patient will be otherwise normal. If not he will have atrophic gastritis, hematological problems as well as neurological ones

Question 3

please what's the difference between pernicious anemia and vitamin b12 deficiency.my iron levels are perfect.i'm getting injections for vitamin b12.

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic factor: Vitamin B12 is present in meat and animal protein foods. Absorption of B12 occurs in the intestine (ileum) and requires intrinsic factor (IF), made by stomach cells. In pernicious anemia, IF production is deficient, and results in anemia, a reduction in hemoglobin/hematocrit. One can be vitamin B12 deficient without becoming anemic and/or without having deficient IF. Best wishes:)

Question 4

why we treat megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin b12 deficiency with folates (folic acid)?

Accepted Answer

We don't: Megaloblastic anemia caused by B12 deficiency is treated with b12. Folate (folic acid) deficiency also causes meg. Anemia. Some with B12 deficiency are also deficient in b12, but if one has low B12 ; isn't deficient in folate (folic acid) there's no need to supplement with it. But it won't hurt to take folate (folic acid);if you're among the 1/3 of people with problems converting Folic Acid to it's active form you should take l-5-mthf.

Question 5

hi i have vitamin b12 deficiency. doc didn't say pernicious anemia. everyone said i'm going to get cancers.god im so scared. i've started injections?

Accepted Answer

B12 def: Are you vegetarian or vegan, they have B12 issues at times because B12 sources are animal.  May also be ileitis or intestinal issues where B12 is absorbed ( if not pernicious anemia) or dietary/ age. If you are on injections and you level are adequate ( I like above 400)  I would not  be concerned ,don't worry

Question 6

my last 5 cbc, show's i do not anemia. but doctor ordered vitamin b12 test since i have family history of anemia. can vitamin b12 deficiency be treated successfully? is there always underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Usually: an underlying cause is present. It could be nutritional especially in pure vegetarians, related to autoimmune conditions like pernicious anemia or malabsorption. Treatment is effective with Vit B12 injections

Question 7

would a vitamin b12 deficiency affect my sleep?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you have pernicious anemia with your vitamin B12 deficiency, you can have nervous system problems that can include incontinence and muscle spasms which can affect sleep.  Treatment with intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 can help.  If you have a mild deficiency but not pernicious anemia, it is less likely that sleep will be affected.

Question 8

can vegetarians develop a vitamin b12 deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Vitamin B12 is essential to the blood and nervous systems.  It is typically found in fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products.  Among vegetarians, strict vegans are most at risk for deficiency.

Question 9

can a vitamin b12 deficiency cause permanent nerve damage?

Accepted Answer

If not treated: B-12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, problems with spinal cord dysfnctn (poor vibration and position sensations), and cognitive problems to the brain.  Much may be reversible, but without timely treatment, problems will be persistent.
1000 mcg injections per month should suffice.

Question 10

if you have a vitamin b12 deficiency how long does it take to replenish it with over the counter supplements?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on why you have a B12 deficiency in the first place. Some people, either from gastric bypass surgery or other reasons dont produce intrinsic factor which is  made in the stomach and is necessary for us to absorb B12 that we have taken orally. In those cases it takes a shot. In any case 1% of oral B12 is passively absorbed. Once absorbed our bodies are efficient replenishing and storing it.

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Doctor answers about:

Vitamin b12 deficiency without anemia

A member asked:

What is the most common cause of anemia and/or vitamin b12 deficiency in older adults?

A member asked:

Can pernicious anemia or severe vitamin b12 deficiency cause chronic non-specific duodenitis??

A member asked:

Please what's the difference between pernicious anemia and vitamin b12 deficiency.my iron levels are perfect.i'm getting injections for vitamin b12.

A member asked:

Why we treat megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin b12 deficiency with folates (folic acid)?

A member asked:

Hi i have vitamin b12 deficiency. doc didn't say pernicious anemia. everyone said i'm going to get cancers.god im so scared. i've started injections?

A member asked:

My last 5 cbc, show's i do not anemia. but doctor ordered vitamin b12 test since i have family history of anemia. can vitamin b12 deficiency be treated successfully? is there always underlying cause?

A member asked:

Would a vitamin b12 deficiency affect my sleep?

A member asked:

Can vegetarians develop a vitamin b12 deficiency?

A member asked:

Can a vitamin b12 deficiency cause permanent nerve damage?

A member asked:

If you have a vitamin b12 deficiency how long does it take to replenish it with over the counter supplements?

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