Can you have low B12 without anemia?
Subtitle: Overview
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that helps keep the body's nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in a variety of animal-based products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells. However, it is possible to have a low level of B12 without anemia.
Subtitle: Causes of Low B12 Without Anemia
Low B12 levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications, malabsorption syndromes, dietary deficiencies, and autoimmune conditions.
Medications: Certain medications, such as metformin, can interfere with the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12.
Malabsorption syndromes: Certain conditions, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, can interfere with the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12.
Dietary deficiencies: A diet that is low in foods that contain vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, and dairy products, can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12.
Autoimmune conditions: Certain autoimmune conditions, such as pernicious anemia, can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12.
Subtitle: Symptoms of Low B12 Without Anemia
A person with a low B12 level without anemia may experience symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, weakness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, confusion, memory loss, depression, and difficulty walking.
Subtitle: Diagnosis and Treatment of Low B12 Without Anemia
A doctor can diagnose a low B12 level without anemia by performing a blood test. The doctor may also order other tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Treatment may include supplements or injections of vitamin B12, as well as dietary changes to include more foods that are rich in vitamin B12.