Patient was educated on the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency as follows:
- Malnutrition
- Major source of vitamin B12, being dietary, poor nutrition intake in general by malnourished patients is a significant risk factor for B12 deficiency.
- Alcohol abuse
- Alcohol abuse can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines, lead to a malnutrition state, and result in B12 deficiency.
- Compromised Vitamin B12 absorption
- Vitamin B12 needs acidic environment, to get absorbed in the small intestine. Gastric acid secreted in the stomach maintains the needed acidic environment for B12 absorption.
- Also, intrinsic factor, a protein secreted by the stomach, is needed for vitamin B12 absorption.
- Individuals with history of gastric resection can have reduced gastric acid and intrinsic factor secretion, contributing to compromised B12 absorption.
- Pregnancy
- Increased biological demands during pregnancy can contribute to B12 deficiency
