Vitamin B12 & Folate deficiency
In India, more than 10 million cases of vitamin B12(cobalamine) deficiency and more than 1 million cases of folate (Vitamin B9) deficiency are seen in a year. Vitamin B12 regulates the nervous system and helps in production of red blood cells. Vitamin B9 also helps in production of red blood cells and prevents birth defects. Deficiency of both B12 and B9 results in anemia. Deficiency of B12 also affects the nervous system and cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).
Causes for Vitamin B12 & Folate deficiency
Vitamin B12:
Deficiency is seen when a diet having inadequate B12 is consumed and when absorption is decreased. The following conditions reduce the absorption of B12
Age (>50 years)
Stomach ulcers
Weight loss surgeries
Immune system disorders
Pernicious anemia
Few medications for indigestion, diabetes, heart burn and ulcers
Digestive conditions such as crohn's disease
Folate deficiency:
Folic acid deficiency can be caused if folic acid deficient diet is consumed or absorption is reduced. Pregnant women require folate supplements as for the healthy growth and development of the fetus. Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can cause birth defects such as spina bifida.The following conditions can result in reduced absorption of folate.
Alcoholism
Hereditary of decreased folate absorption
Medications like methotrexate, triamterene, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and barbiturates.
Recommended dietary allowance
Age
B12 (mcg/day)
B9 (mcg/day)
Gender
Men
Women
Men
Women
0–6 months
0.4
0.4
65
65
7-12 months
0.5
0.5
80
80
1-3 years
0.9
0.9
150
150
4-8 years
1.2
1.2
200
200
9-13 years
1.8
1.8
300
300
14+years
2.4
2.4
400
400
Pregnant women
-
2.6
-
600
Lactating women
-
2.8
-
500
Symptoms
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency causes anemia. The following are the symptoms associated with the deficiency:
Fatigue
Lethargy
Pale skin
Headache
Mouth ulcers
Red and swollen tongue
Depression
Ringing in ears
Lack of appetite
Shortness of breath
Specific symptoms associated with nerve damage caused by B12 deficiency are as follows
Numbness
Tingling sensation
Difficulty in walking
and alteration in sensing touch
Diagnosis of Vitamin B12 and B9 deficiency
Blood test:
The first test for determining vitamin B12 and B9 deficiency is a blood test. In B9 deficiency, folate levels in plasma or RBC are determined. The following tables shows the reference values of Vit. B12 and folate
B12 Level (pg/ml)
Below 150
Low
200 to 600
Normal
800
High
Folate in plasma (ng/ml)
Adult
3- 13
Children
15-21
Folate in RBC (ng/ml)
Adult
140-628
Children
>160
A complete blood picture is done to find out hemoglobin levels and check the size and shape of red blood cells. In B12 and B9 deficiency, homocysteine and methylmelonic acids (MMA) levels are also determined. Homocysteine and MMA are elevated in B12 deficiency while only homocysteine, (and not MMA), is elevated in folate deficiency.
Assessment of Nerve damage (Peripheral neuropathy):
Diagnosis of nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency can be assessed by the following techniques:
Neurological exam: This includes assessment of muscle strength, tendon reflexes, sensation, posture and coordination.
Nerve function tests: It includes electromyography recording, autonomic reflex screen, sweat tests and sensory tests.
Treatment for Vitamin B12 and B9 deficiency
Vitamin B12 and B9 deficiency can be treated by having a diet which has adequate amount of B12 & B9. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, yeast extract and specially fortified foods. B9 or folate is present in green vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and peas.
Supplements are also given to treat Vitamin B12 and B9 deficiency. Supplements can be stopped once the deficiency is overcome.
Nerve damage due to vitamin B12 deficiency is permanent. Early diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency can prevent it.
Why Apollo Diagnostics
We have the expertise of 34 + years in healthcare. Our labs are equipped with EQUAS (External Quality Assurance System) and loaded with full-automated machines to ensure error free reports, with a quick turnaround time, and at an affordable price. For your convenience, we offer free home collection of samples.
For appointments, please call 9205478479.
References
The Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency. https://www.healthline.com/health/symptoms-of-vitamin-b-deficiency#preventingdeficiency7. Accessed on 24-Oct-2017
What Is Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/folic-acid-deficiency-anemia#1-2. Accessed on 24-Oct-2017.
Vitamin B12: What to Know .https://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-eating/guide/v... on 24-Oct-2017.
Vitamin B12. https://familydoctor.org/vitamin-b-12/..Accessed on 24-Oct-2017
Vitamin B9 Intake Recommendations. http://www.nutri-facts.org/en_US/nutrients/vitamins/b9/intake-recommendations.html. Accessed on 24-Oct-2017. Accessed on 24-Oct-2017
Vitamin B12: What to Know.https://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes#2. Accessed on 24-Oct-2017
Peripheral neuropathy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352067. Accessed on 24-Oct-2017
