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Vitamin B 12 deficiency prevents the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) form of folate from being converted into THF due to the "methyl trap". [18] This disrupts the folate pathway and leads to an increase in homocysteine which damages cells (for example, damage to endothelial cells can result in increased risk of thrombosis). [citation needed]
Diagnosis is not always straightforward as serum levels can be falsely high or normal. [10] Elevated methylmalonic acid levels may also indicate a deficiency. [2] Individuals with low or marginal values of vitamin B 12 in the range of 148–221 pmol/L (200–300 pg/mL) may not have classic neurological or hematological signs or symptoms. [2]
Folate deficiency, also known as vitamin B 9 deficiency, is a low level of folate and derivatives in the body. [1] This may result in megaloblastic anemia in which red blood cells become abnormally large, and folate deficiency anemia is the term given for this medical condition. [3] Signs of folate deficiency are often subtle. [4]
Deficiencies of Vitamin B 12 or folate produce a macrocytic anemia (large cell anemia) in which the RDW is elevated in roughly two-thirds of all cases. However, a varied size distribution of red blood cells is a hallmark of iron deficiency anemia, and as such shows an increased RDW in virtually all cases.
Folate levels in the individual may affect the course of pathological changes and symptomatology of vitamin B 12 deficiency. Vitamin B 12 deficiency in pregnant women is strongly associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations such as neural tube defects, and problems with brain development growth in the ...
Niacin deficiency is a consequence of a diet low in both niacin and the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor for the vitamin. Low plasma tryptophan is a non-specific indicator, meaning it can have other causes. The signs and symptoms of niacin deficiency start to revert within days of oral supplementation with large amounts of the vitamin. [23] [24]
A vitamin B12 level of less than 200 pg/mL is considered deficient. Treatment First, have your health care provider run blood tests to see if you truly have a B12 deficiency.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency is the most common genetic cause of elevated serum levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia). It is caused by genetic defects in MTHFR, which is an important enzyme in the methyl cycle. [1] Common variants of MTHFR deficiency are asymptomatic and have only minor effects on disease risk. [2]