Patient was educated on the complications of vitamin B12 deficiency as follows:
- Shortness of breath: Deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in compromised and incomplete maturation of red blood cells. This can result in immature and short-lived red cells in blood circulation that are poorly functional, in comparison to the mature red blood cells. This can lead to poor oxygen transport by red blood cells, reduced count of red blood cells, and anemia. Low oxygen pick-up and delivery to tissues lead to deficient oxygen supply to all vital organs, resulting in dyspnea and compromised endurance.
- Chest pain and discomfort: Heart muscle is highly dependent on oxygen supply for normal function. Anemia, secondary to B12 deficiency, can result in reduced supply of oxygenated blood to vital organs, such as, heart. This can result in increased workload on heart muscle, leading to episodes of chest pain and discomfort.
- Rapid heartbeat: Low B12 content and resulting anemia in patients can result in reduced oxygen transport and deficient oxygen supply to vital organs, thus compromising their function. In anemia, the heart can try to compensate, by overworking and beating faster. By doing this, the heart tries to pump more blood and thereby, supply needed oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs that are compromised.
- Pregnant women can present with increased B12 requirements, secondary to increased biological demands during pregnancy. B12 deficiency in pregnant women can result in complications, such as, preterm delivery and neonatal death. Pregnant women must observe compliance with daily intake recommendation on B12, as recommended by the physician.
