A 32-year-old member asked:
What causes a vitamin b12 deficiency?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Evan Hirsch, MDanswered
Integrative Medicine 16 years experience
Multiple causese: There are several causes: low stomach acid, pernicious anemia, poor consumption of foods containing B12 and a genetic predisposition that requires more B12 like mthfr gene defect.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 43-year-old member asked:
Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause migraines?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Scott Bolhackanswered
Wound care 37 years experience
B12: B12 deficiency is associated with neuropathies and non-specific neurological symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, depression, and psychosis. It is not associated with migraine headaches, per se.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes itching, what can I do?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
Decisive treatment: Don't know if it's the cause of your itch, if you are B12 deficient, either from an ill-advised experiment with a vegetarian lifestyle without supplementation, or pernicious anemia or harboring a fish tapeworm, you had better start getting supplemented now and continuing or you are going to end up with brain damage. Forgive my frankness, and i hope your physician made this clear as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Can having vitamin B12 deficiency cause OCD symptoms?
1 doctor answer • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Lynne Weixelanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Not at all likely: Almost no chance of a direct link, but... We do know that: 1) the b vitamins are important to nervous system functioning. 2) B12 can make a noticeable difference in how good one feels. 3) deficiencies are (by definition) good to correct. So, do try to improve your diet and even supplement nutrients that are hard to get enough of. See a professional for ocd treatment too.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Will a vitamin B12 deficiency cause infertility?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jessica Scotchieanswered
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
No: No, but b vitamins are important for healthy organ development in early pregnancy. It is important to take supplemental folic acid, and consider a b complex vitamin as well, to support normal organ development if you are reproductive aged woman.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Who is at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Bryan Leveyanswered
Pediatrics 29 years experience
Many: The classic B12 deficient people are severe alcoholics and vegan type vegetarians. Obviously, the reason for the deficiency is different in the two groups. Vegans simply don't eat enough B12 containing foods. Alcoholics are a bit more complicated than that.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeffrey Kass commented
Podiatry 30 years experience
Diabetics taking metformin should be monitored as well as this is a reported side effect of the medication.
Sep 29, 2012
Last updated Jun 29, 2018
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