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Description

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition in which the body does not have enough of the vitamin B12. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, anemia, nerve damage, and cognitive impairment. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps the body make red blood cells, maintain a healthy nervous system, and produce DNA. It is found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as some fortified foods. People who are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency include vegetarians and vegans, people with digestive disorders, and those taking certain medications. Treatment typically involves taking a vitamin B12 supplement and eating foods that are rich in the vitamin.

Synonyms

• vitamin B12 deficiency

Basic Lab Tests (measurements)

• serum
  •      iron
  •      vitamin B12
  •      intrinsic factor antibody
  •      methylmalonate
• urine
  •      methylmalonate
  •      Schilling test
  •      homocysteine
• whole blood
  •      mean corpuscular volume
  •      elliptocytes
  •      basophilic stippling
  •      hypersegmented neutrophils
  •      RBC distribution width
  •      macrocytes

Detailed Disease and Condition Information (use the search buttons below to find details on these topics)
All of the following must be considered when interpreting clinical findings and are too extensive to be covered on this site: