Nutrient
Vitamin B12
Nutrient central to nervous system function, methylation and energy metabolism.
Traditional & research context
You need intrinsic factor so that your body can absorb B12 vitamin. People with pernicious anemia have a B12 vitamin deficiency. Digestive diseases: Diseases that affect the digestive system, like Crohn's disease and celiac disease, can prevent your body from fully absorbing vitamin B12. Certain health conditions make it hard for your small intestine to absorb B12. They include: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Celiac disease. The symptoms of pernicious anemia may include weakness, fatigue, an upset stomach, an abnormally rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and/or chest pains. Pernicious anemia is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B12. A special protein, called intrinsic factor (IF), binds vitamin B12 so that it can be absorbed in the intestines. This protein is released by cells in the stomach. When the stomach does not make enough intrinsic factor, the intestine cannot properly absorb vitamin B12.
Common causes of pernicious anemia include: Weakened stomach lining (atrophic gastritis) An autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the actual intrinsic factor protein or the cells in the lining of your stomach that make it.
Certain diseases can also raise your risk. They include:
Addison disease
Graves disease
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Myasthenia gravis Loss of normal function of ovaries before 40 years of age (primary ovarian failure)
Type 1 diabetes
Testicular dysfunction
Vitiligo
Sjögren syndrome
Hashimoto disease
Celiac disease Pernicious anemia can also occur after gastric bypass surgery. Some people do not have symptoms. Symptoms may be mild.
They can include:
Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea
Vomiting Fatigue, lack of energy, or lightheadedness when standing up or with exertion
Loss of appetite Pale skin (mild jaundice) Shortness of breath, mostly during exercise
Heartburn Swollen, red tongue or bleeding gums If you have a low vitamin B12 level for a long time, you can have nervous system damage. Symptoms can include:
Confusion
Short-term memory loss
Depression
Q: What does Leyla say about Vitamin B12? A: You need intrinsic factor so that your body can absorb B12 vitamin. People with pernicious anemia have a B12 vitamin deficiency. Digestive diseases: Diseases that affect the digestive system, like Crohn's disease and celiac disease, can prevent your body from fully absorbing vitamin B12. Certain health conditions make it hard for your small intestine to absorb B12. They include: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Celiac disease. The symptoms of pernicious anemia may include weakness, fatigue, an upset stomach, an abnormally rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and/or chest pains. Pernicious anemia is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B12. A special protein, called intrinsic factor (IF), binds vitamin B12 so that it can be absorbed in the intestines. This protein is released by cells in the stomach. When the stomach does not make enough intrinsic factor, the intestine cannot properly absorb vitamin B12.
Common causes of pernicious anemia include: Weakened stomach lining (atrophic gastritis) An autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the actual intrinsic factor protein or the cells in the lining of your stomach that make it.
Certain diseases can also raise your risk. They include:
Addison disease
Graves disease
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Myasthenia gravis Loss of normal function of ovaries before 40 years of age (primary ovarian failure)
Type 1 diabetes
Testicular dysfunction
Vitiligo
Sjögren syndrome
Hashimoto disease
Celiac disease Pernicious anemia can also occur after gastric bypass surgery. Some people do not have symptoms. Symptoms may be mild.
They can include:
Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea
Vomiting Fatigue, lack of energy, or lightheadedness when standing up or with exertion
Loss of appetite Pale skin (mild jaundice) Shortness of breath, mostly during exercise
Heartburn Swollen, red tongue or bleeding gums If you have a low vitamin B12 level for a long time, you can have nervous system damage. Symptoms can include:
Confusion
Short-term memory loss
Depression
Loss of balance Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Problems concentrating
Irritability
Hallucinations
Delusions
Optic nerve atrophy
Commonly considered in
Health concerns where Vitamin B12 is commonly considered. This is general education, not a recommendation.
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This information is educational and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Individual needs vary. Always consult your medical practitioner regarding health concerns.