What are two possible causes of B12 deficiency? Provide a detialed answer with literature
review source.
Solution
Answer:
Vitamin B12 is not synthesized by the body, and thus requires intake of animal foods rich in
vitamin B12 or through supplements. Vitamin B12 helps in production of DNA and RNA, and
works in concert with folic acid to make RBCs.
Two possible causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency are:
1. Thinning of the stomach lining due to atrophic gastritis:
Atrophic gastritis is often caused by the H. pylori. The bacterial infection frequently occurs
during childhood and gets worse over time if it isn’t treated.
Direct contact with the feces, vomit, or saliva of an infected person can spread the disease. It
may also occur after eating food or drinking water that’s contaminated with the bacteria.
When autoantibodies attack healthy stomach cells, autoimmune atrophic gastritis develops.
These antibodies target the gastric juice producing stomach cells. These antibodies may also
attack intrinsic factors, which are proteins released by stomach cells that help in vitamin B12
absorption. A lack of intrinsic factor results in pernicious anaemia, and low vitamin B12 levels in
the body.
(MLO Med Lab Obs. 2007 Feb;39(2):28, 30-1.
Gut. 1964 Feb;5:27-37.)
2. Removed of part of the stomach or small intestine through surgery, including weight loss
surgery:
Bariatric surgery involves gut manipulation that alters the natural absorption of nutrients, thus
nutritional deficiencies can develop. The most common deficiencies are vitamin B12, folate,
zinc, iron, copper, calcium, and vitamin D and can lead to secondary problems, such as
osteoporosis.
Dietary supplementation are often given following surgery to avoid deficiency complications,
although deficiency symptoms may be evident after months of surgery. Bariatic patients are at
increased risk as their digestive have undergone alteration such that it interferes with the
absorption of vitamins.
(Curr Drug Metab. 2012 Nov; 13(9): 1345–1355.
Pediatr Clin North Am. 2009 Oct; 56(5): 1105–1121.).
What are two possible causes of B12 deficiency Provide a detialed a.pdf
1. What are two possible causes of B12 deficiency? Provide a detialed answer with literature
review source.
Solution
Answer:
Vitamin B12 is not synthesized by the body, and thus requires intake of animal foods rich in
vitamin B12 or through supplements. Vitamin B12 helps in production of DNA and RNA, and
works in concert with folic acid to make RBCs.
Two possible causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency are:
1. Thinning of the stomach lining due to atrophic gastritis:
Atrophic gastritis is often caused by the H. pylori. The bacterial infection frequently occurs
during childhood and gets worse over time if it isn’t treated.
Direct contact with the feces, vomit, or saliva of an infected person can spread the disease. It
may also occur after eating food or drinking water that’s contaminated with the bacteria.
When autoantibodies attack healthy stomach cells, autoimmune atrophic gastritis develops.
These antibodies target the gastric juice producing stomach cells. These antibodies may also
attack intrinsic factors, which are proteins released by stomach cells that help in vitamin B12
absorption. A lack of intrinsic factor results in pernicious anaemia, and low vitamin B12 levels in
the body.
(MLO Med Lab Obs. 2007 Feb;39(2):28, 30-1.
Gut. 1964 Feb;5:27-37.)
2. Removed of part of the stomach or small intestine through surgery, including weight loss
surgery:
Bariatric surgery involves gut manipulation that alters the natural absorption of nutrients, thus
nutritional deficiencies can develop. The most common deficiencies are vitamin B12, folate,
zinc, iron, copper, calcium, and vitamin D and can lead to secondary problems, such as
osteoporosis.
Dietary supplementation are often given following surgery to avoid deficiency complications,
although deficiency symptoms may be evident after months of surgery. Bariatic patients are at
increased risk as their digestive have undergone alteration such that it interferes with the
absorption of vitamins.
(Curr Drug Metab. 2012 Nov; 13(9): 1345–1355.
Pediatr Clin North Am. 2009 Oct; 56(5): 1105–1121.)
