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Contents
  • Understanding Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiencies
  • Who is at Risk?
  • The Importance of Diagnosis

Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiencies: A Hidden Health Threat?

Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiencies: A Hidden Health Threat?

What's This About?

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies might lurk unnoticed but can cause serious health problems. This article explains what these deficiencies are and why treatment is crucial.
Contents
  • Understanding Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiencies
  • Who is at Risk?
  • The Importance of Diagnosis

Understanding Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiencies

Vitamin B12 and folate are essential vitamins that our bodies need to function properly. A deficiency can lead to symptoms like fatigue, anemia, and even neurological issues. Many people might not realize they have these deficiencies because symptoms can develop slowly and subtly over time.

Who is at Risk?

People at risk for these deficiencies include those with a vegan or vegetarian diet, individuals who have undergone gastric surgery, and those with certain intestinal disorders. Pregnant women and newborns of deficient mothers are also at risk, highlighting the importance of proper vitamin intake during pregnancy.
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies can lead to serious health issues such as anemia and neurological problems. These deficiencies often go unnoticed due to their subtle symptoms.

The Importance of Diagnosis

Diagnosing vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies involves checking vitamin levels through blood tests. Early detection is key to preventing long-term health issues, such as irreversible neurological damage. Those with these deficiencies should receive appropriate treatment to restore vitamin levels.

FAQs

What are common symptoms?

Fatigue, weakness, and anemia are common symptoms.

Who should be tested?

Those with a vegan diet or gastric surgery history should be tested.

Can deficiencies be treated?

Yes, with vitamin supplements or injections.

Is early diagnosis important?

Yes, it prevents serious long-term effects.

Key Takeaways

Don't ignore potential signs of vitamin deficiencies—get tested and treated as needed.
Talk to Doctronic about getting tested for vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies today.
Additional References
  1. Devalia V, Hamilton MS, Molloy AM, British Committee for Standards in Haematology. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cobalamin and folate disorders. Br J Haematol 2014; 166:496.
  2. Carmel R. How I treat cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency. Blood 2008; 112:2214.
  3. Stabler SP. Clinical practice. Vitamin B12 deficiency. N Engl J Med 2013; 368:149.
  4. Sugrue A. Author's reply to Charkin. BMJ 2014; 349:g5391.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.