What is Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Anemia?
Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia happens when your body does not have enough vitamin B-12 to make healthy red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen throughout the body, so when levels are low, you may feel tired, weak, or short of breath.
Vitamin B-12 also supports healthy nerves and brain function. Without enough of this vitamin, some people develop numbness, balance problems, or memory changes over time.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia can develop for several reasons. Some people do not get enough vitamin B-12 in their diet, while others have trouble absorbing it properly.
Possible causes and risk factors include:
- Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition that affects absorption
- Stomach or intestinal surgery
- Digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
- Long-term use of some medications, including acid-reducing medicines
- Strict vegetarian or vegan diets without supplementation
- Older age
- Family history of autoimmune disease
Symptoms
Symptoms can appear slowly and may become more noticeable over time. Some people have mild symptoms at first, while others develop more serious problems if the deficiency is not treated.
Common symptoms may include:
- Fatigue or low energy
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Trouble with balance or walking
- Fast heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nausea or diarrhea
- A sore or smooth tongue
- Mood or memory changes
How is it diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia using a combination of your symptoms, medical history, and blood testing. A complete blood count (CBC) can show whether red blood cells are larger than normal or lower in number.
Additional blood tests may check vitamin B-12 and folate levels. In some cases, providers may order testing to look for pernicious anemia or other conditions affecting nutrient absorption.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the deficiency. Many people improve with vitamin B-12 supplements or injections that help restore healthy vitamin levels.
Your provider may also recommend dietary changes to include more vitamin B-12-rich foods, such as fish, meat, eggs, dairy products, or fortified cereals. If another medical condition is preventing absorption, treating that condition is also important.
Some people need long-term or lifelong treatment, especially if their body cannot absorb vitamin B-12 properly. Early treatment can help prevent lasting nerve problems and improve energy levels over time.
