Symptoms, Drugs, etc.

Definition

What is folate and b12 deficiency anemia?

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia is a condition when your body doesn’t have enough vitamin B12 and folate, resulting in apoptotic erythroblasts. In other words, not having enough vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, a result of ineffective erythropoiesis.

Red blood cells or erythrocytes (the most common type of blood cell) have a role in delivering oxygen to body tissues through the circulatory system. Vitamin B12 and folate play an important role in the erythropoiesis process in which new and healthy red blood cells are produced to replace old red blood cells. Erythroblasts require folate and vitamin B12 for prophylation during differentiation.

How common is folate and b12 deficiency anemia?

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia is common, as well can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of b12 and folate deficiency anemia?

Common symptoms of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia are:

Fatigue
Hard to breathe
Dizzy
Pale or yellowish skin
Irregular heartbeat
Weight loss
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Muscle weakness
Personality changes
Unsteady movements
Dazed or forgetful easily.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone’s body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes b12 and folate deficiency anemia?

Lack of absorption of B12 and folate is the main cause of this type of anemia. As an example:

You have pernicious anemia in which cells that play a role in absorbing vitamin B12 in the stomach are attacked by your immune system.
You have had surgery to remove part of the stomach or part of the small intestine, the ileum. Surgery also includes a type of weight loss surgery in people who are overweight.
You have problems with your digestive tract, such as thrush (otherwise known as celiac disease), Chron’s disease, bacterial growth in the small intestine, or parasites.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for b12 and folate deficiency anemia?

Anemia due to folate deficiency

The risk of anemia due to folate deficiency can increase if:

You are pregnant, and your consumption does not match the increased nutritional needs during pregnancy.
You have digestive disorders that interfere with folate absorption.
You are abusing alcohol, because alcohol interferes with folate absorption.
You are taking prescription medications, such as anti-seizure drugs, that can block folate absorption.
You are on hemodialysis for kidney failure. Ask your doctor if you need folic acid supplements to prevent deficiency.
You are currently undergoing cancer treatment. Some cancer drugs can interfere with folate metabolism.
If you have an unbalanced diet and lack of fruits and vegetables, or you overcook, you may be at risk for anemia due to folate deficiency.

Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia)

The risk of anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency can increase if:

You don’t eat meat and dairy products, foods that are rich in vitamin B12. Vegetarians, people who do not eat dairy products and vegans, people who do not eat animal meat, fall into this category.
You have gastrointestinal disease or abnormal bacterial growth in the stomach, or if part of the intestine or stomach was removed.
You are deficient in intrinsic factor – a protein your stomach produces is important for the absorption of vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor deficiency can be caused by an autoimmune reaction, or it can be inherited.
You are taking certain drugs. Antacids, proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) and some medications for type 2 diabetes can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption.
You have another autoimmune disorder. People with endocrine-related autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes or thyroid, have a higher risk of pernicious anemia.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to diagnose b12 and folate deficiency anemia?

Doctors diagnose anemia due to vitamin deficiency by looking at the symptoms and paraclinical results. Blood tests are an effective tool for confirming cases of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia.

How to treat b12 and folate deficiency anemia?

In many cases of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, patients are usually given injections or supplement tablets to replace lost vitamins.

Vitamin B12 supplements are usually given by injection first. Then, your doctor will consider your condition and can provide other treatments for you. You will likely need vitamin B12 tablets between meals, injections or for improved diet.

Folic acid tablets are used to restore folate levels. Treatment usually lasts 4 months.

A balanced diet is also an effective treatment and prevention for this condition.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat b12 and folate deficiency anemia?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you cope vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia:

Have a healthy diet containing a variety of foods.
Foods rich in folate include dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, fortified grain products, such as bread, cereals, pasta, and rice, as well as fruit and fruit juices.
Foods rich in vitamin B12 include eggs, fortified foods, such as cereal, milk, cheese and yogurt, as well as red and white meat, shellfish.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

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http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20019550
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaemia-vitamin-B12-and-folate-deficiency/Pages/Introduction.aspx