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Can B12 deficiency affect your bowels?
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Vitamin B-12 deficiency can affect the digestive tract. A lack of red blood cells means that not enough oxygen reaches the gut. Insufficient oxygen here may lead to a person both feeling and being sick. It may also cause diarrhea.
What disease of the stomach can lead to B12 deficiency?
For example, pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease of the stomach, can cause low B12 levels. In pernicious anemia, the body attacks the glands that secrete these essential proteins for B12 absorption.
Who is most at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?
- A family history of the disease.
- Having part or all of your stomach or intestine removed.
- Autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.
- Crohn’s disease.
- HIV.
- Some medicines.
- Strict vegetarian diets.
- Being an older adult.
Can lack of B12 cause diarrhea?
Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency involve the digestive tract. These symptoms include nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) and vomiting, heartburn, abdominal bloating and gas, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. An enlarged liver is another symptom.
Does B12 cause bowel movements?
However, some people may experience constipation as a result of a vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency. In those situations, a vitamin supplement may help relieve constipation. Some vitamins and minerals can cause loose stools or diarrhea, including magnesium and vitamin C.
What does B12 do for a man?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body’s blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.
Is B12 deficiency serious?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious complications such as nerve damage, anemia and fatigue, which is why those at risk should add a high-quality B12 supplement to their diet ( 2 ).
Can vitamin B-12 cause upset stomach?
Injectable vitamin B-12, which is used to treat significant deficiencies, can cause the following side effects: mild diarrhea. itching.
Can a B12 deficiency cause IBS?
I have noticed several commonalities among patients with vitamin B12 levels <400 pg/mL. In addition to fatigue, paresthesias, and decreased concentration, these patients also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What are the warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in men?
Males should be aware of the warning signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency in men and take steps to correct the problem right away. Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in the production of red blood cells, DNA and nerves. If you are a male and your body does not get enough vitamin B12, you could develop neurological problems and blood diseases.
Do you need a blood test for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Most people in the U.S. get enough of this nutrient. If you’re not sure, you can ask your doctor if you should get a blood test to check your vitamin B12 level. With age, it can become harder to absorb this vitamin.
What happens if you don’t get enough B12?
When left untreated, a B12 deficiency can lead to problems with your heart, nerves, or brain. B12 shots, supplements, and changing what you eat can help. But first, the doctor has to find out why you’re not getting enough. Here are some of the most common causes they’ll look for.
What causes vitamin B12 deficiency in older people?
The condition is more likely to occur in older people due to the cutback in stomach acid production that often occurs with aging. Vitamin B 12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time. It can also come on relatively quickly.