Patient was educated on the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency as follows:
- Vegan lifestyle
- Vitamin B12 is mainly present in organ meat, muscle meat, and milk & animal products.
- Individuals that are strictly vegans have very limited sources of vitamin B12 and so, can be at increased risk for deficiency.
- Injury to small intestine
- Vitamin B12 is normally absorbed in the small intestine.
- Any injury to small intestine, such as, in individuals with Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, can result in poor B12 absorption.
- Individuals with history of small intestine resection can have reduced site of B12 absorption, contributing to compromised B12 absorption and deficiency.
- Medications
- Chronic use of some antiseizure, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory medications can interfere and inhibit absorption of B12 in small intestine.
- Individuals taking antacid and anti-GERD medications can have the acid environment in the stomach needed for B12 absorption compromised, contributing to reduced B12 absorption.
- Reduced absorption can result in B12 deficiency.
