Vitamin B12 Deficiency Specialists in Vasant Vihar2, Delhi

What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body lacks adequate levels of this essential nutrient, which is required for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and proper nerve function. It is particularly common in India due to the largely vegetarian diet, since B12 is naturally found almost exclusively in animal products. Because the body stores B12 in the liver for years, deficiency often develops slowly and can go unnoticed until stores are significantly depleted. Left untreated, it can lead to a specific type of anaemia and, more concerningly, irreversible nerve damage if not corrected in time. The condition is diagnosed with a blood test and is generally well managed with dietary change or supplementation.

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Most commonly caused by inadequate dietary intake in strict vegetarians and vegans, since B12 occurs naturally only in animal-derived foods. Malabsorption due to conditions like pernicious anaemia, gastric surgery, or chronic use of medications such as metformin and proton pump inhibitors can also impair B12 absorption even with adequate intake. Ageing reduces stomach acid production, which further impairs the body's ability to absorb B12 from food.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Persistent fatigue and weakness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, pale or yellowish skin, difficulty concentrating or memory problems, mood changes including irritability or depression, glossitis or a sore tongue, unsteady gait, breathlessness on exertion, loss of appetite

Treatment & Types of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Vasant Vihar2, Delhi

Treatment involves oral or intramuscular B12 supplementation, with injections typically used for severe deficiency or malabsorption issues to bypass the need for gut absorption. Dietary counselling to include B12-rich foods such as dairy, eggs, and fortified foods, or lifelong supplementation for vegans, helps prevent recurrence. Neurological symptoms often improve with treatment but may only partially resolve if deficiency has been prolonged and severe.

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