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Vitamin B 12 deficiency can be extremely serious and lead to megaloblastic anemia, nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage. [7] Vegetarians may get vitamin B 12 from eggs and dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.); [8] for some, this is adequate, while others may still remain B 12-deficient. [1]
Vitamin deficiency is the condition of a long-term lack of a vitamin. When caused by not enough vitamin intake it is classified as a primary deficiency, whereas when due to an underlying disorder such as malabsorption it is called a secondary deficiency. An underlying disorder can have 2 main causes:
Nutritional anemia can be caused by a lack of iron, protein, vitamin B12, and other vitamins and minerals that are needed for the formation of hemoglobin. However, Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disorder. [7] Signs of anemia include cyanosis, jaundice, and easy bruising. [7]
Pernicious anemia is the most common cause of vitamin B 12 deficiency anemia in adults, which results from malabsorption of vitamin B 12 due to a lack or loss of intrinsic factor. [ 2 ] [ 8 ] There are relatively few studies which have assessed the impact of haematological measures in response to B 12 supplementation.
Vitamin B 12 deficiency is potentially extremely serious, leading to megaloblastic anemia (an undersupply of oxygen due to malformed red blood cells), [72] nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage. [73] Cases of severe vitamin B 12 deficiency have been reported in vegan adults, children [74] infants and toddlers. [75]
B-vitamins are primarily found in animal-based foods, making deficiencies more common among those with limited animal food intake due to cultural, religious, or economic reasons. For vegetarians, fortified foods can be a viable alternative to ensure adequate vitamin B12 levels, especially when reducing laxative use to improve absorption.
Copper deficiency can manifest in parallel with vitamin B12 and other nutritional deficiencies. [9] The most common cause of copper deficiency is a remote gastrointestinal surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery, due to malabsorption of copper, or zinc toxicity. Fluorine deficiency: Increased dental caries and possibly osteoporosis
Micronutrient undernutrition results from insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. [27] Worldwide, deficiencies in iodine, Vitamin A, and iron are the most common. Children and pregnant women in low-income countries are at especially high risk for micronutrient deficiencies. [27] [51] Anemia is most commonly caused by iron deficiency, but ...