Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
What is Vitamin Deficiency Anemia ?
Vitamin deficiency anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower than usual amounts of vitamin B-12 and folate. This can happen if you don’t eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins.
Without these nutrients, the body produces red blood cells that are too large and don’t work properly. This reduces their ability to carry oxygen. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. Vitamin supplements, taken by pill or injection, can correct the deficiencies.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Irregular heartbeats
- Weight loss
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Personality changes
- Unsteady movements
- Mental confusion or forgetfulness
- Loss of Appetite
Cause
Vitamin deficiency anemia occurs when you have low vitamin B12 or folate levels. Causes of vitamin deficiency anemia may include certain medications, such as some anti-seizure drugs. Excessive alcohol use. Health conditions that affect nutrient absorption. History of gastric surgery. Intestinal problems such as tapeworms. Diet that doesn’t include adequate meats/fish, dairy products, eggs, or specific vegan options (B12) or dark green veggies, beans, nuts, seeds (folate). You are also at a higher risk of a folate deficiency if you are Breastfeeding. Pregnant. On dialysis for kidney disease.
Risk Factors
Things that may increase your risk of vitamin deficiency anemia include certain autoimmune diseases, including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and type 1 diabetes. Surgery to remove part of your stomach or intestine. Older age. Chronic alcohol use.
When to see a Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.