Vit B12 Deficiency
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Vitamin deficiency anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower than usual amounts of vitamin B-12. This can happen if we don't eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins.Without these nutrients, the body produces red blood cells that are too large and don't work properly. This reduces their ability to carry oxygen.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Irregular heartbeats
- Weight loss
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Muscle weakness
Diagnosis
Blood tests that check for:
- number and appearance of red blood cells
- amount of vitamin B-12 and folate in the blood
- presence of antibodies to intrinsic factor, which indicates pernicious anemia
Treatment
- Mecobalamin (tab) 500mcg TID
- Cyanocobalamin (inj) 30mcg I/M once daily for 5-10 days, and maintainance dose is 100-200 mcg I/M monthly
- Cyanocobalamin (nasal spray) 500mcg once weekly
- Vit B12 supplements (nutraceuticals)