Can vitamin b12 deficiency be a sign of cancer

Most people have healthy levels of vitamin B12. But some don’t. What you do or don’t eat, along with certain health conditions and medications, could be the reason why. When left untreated, a B12 deficiency can lead to problems with your heart, nerves, or brain. B12 shots, supplements, and changing what you eat can help. But first, the doctor has to find out why you’re not getting enough. Here are some of the most common causes they’ll look for. Pernicious Anemia This disorder causes immune system to attack cells in the stomach that make intrinsic factor (IF). That’s a protein you need to absorb B12. Experts aren’t sure what causes pernicious anemia. Some people are born with it, but that’s rare. Symptoms can include: • Tiredness • Pale skin • Weakness • Fast heart rate Your body also needs B12 to make red blood cells. That’s what carries oxygen to your tissue and organs. You can become anemic when you don’t have enough. “Pernicious” means deadly. But it’s not so deadly anymore. Today, there are simple ways to treat this kind of anemia. Your doctor will likely give you a B12 shot in your muscle. You’ll get it once a week until your levels are normal. After that, you may need a shot or high-dose supplement once a month for the rest of your life. If you don’t like shots or pills, ask your doctor if a B12 nasal spray is right for you. Age Some older adults have a condition called atrophic gastritis. That’s when your stomach doesn’t make enough hydrochloric acid. It helps you ...

Although the connection between anemia and cancer isn’t fully understood, treating your anemia can be beneficial for your cancer treatments as well. Research shows that anemia and cancer are strongly connected. A significant number of people with cancer — Read on to learn more about the anemia-cancer connection. Iron deficiency anemia Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body. A low red blood cell count or anemia occurs when: • the body does not make enough • red blood cells are lost through bleeding • the body starts to destroy its own red blood cells When red blood cells are damaged or not numerous enough, they cannot carry oxygen efficiently throughout your body. This leads to symptoms including weakness and fatigue. Anemia can cause serious health complications if left untreated. Iron deficiency anemia is • • digestive and • blood loss, especially through People most at risk for anemia include older adults, people who menstruate, people with alcohol use disorder, and those who experience neglect, or those who are unable to access enough nutrients. While several types of cancer are linked to anemia, this is often due to different causes. We’ll overview some of the common cancer types associated with developing anemia and how this occurs. Anemia and blood cancer Blood cancer is one type of cancer commonly linked to anemia. That’s because blood cancer affects how your body produces and uses red blood cells. Most of the time, blood cancers start ...

Vitamin B12 is part of the vitamin B complex and is essential for maintaining nerve function, fatty acid metabolism, and DNA and amino acid synthesis. By lowering homocysteine levels, it may also protect against cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B12 can be obtained through diet (including eggs, dairy products, poultry, meat, and fortified cereals) and in supplement form. Deficiency of B12 can lead to a wide variety of hematologic, neurologic, and psychiatric disorders and may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Clinical evidence to support the role of vitamin B12 in decreasing cancer risk is mixed. Further research is needed. Vitamin B12 is part of the vitamin B complex and is essential for maintaining nerve function, fatty acid metabolism, and DNA and amino acid synthesis. By lowering homocysteine levels, it may also protect against cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B12 can be obtained through diet (including eggs, dairy products, poultry, meat, and fortified cereals) and in supplement form. Deficiency of B12 can lead to a wide variety of hematologic, neurologic, and psychiatric disorders and may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Clinical evidence to support the role of vitamin B12 in decreasing cancer risk is mixed. Further research is needed. -Barrie Cassileth, PhD ALSO KNOWN AS: Cyanocobalamin and cobalamin. SUMMARY: Vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin, refers to the group of compounds that consists of cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin. Vitamin B12...

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through diet or a supplement. Having too little B12 can cause fatigue, anemia, and neurological problems. Vitamin deficiencies may sometimes go unnoticed, yet they can have a significant effect on our health. Among the more common deficiencies is vitamin B12. Here’s what vitamin B12 deficiency looks like and what you can do about it. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It’s an Vitamin B12 is primarily involved in the production of red blood cells, the maintenance of a healthy nervous system, and the metabolism of proteins and fats. It also contributes to DNA synthesis and supports brain function. A deficiency in • Fatigue and weakness: B12 deficiency can cause general fatigue, lack of energy, and muscle weakness. • Anemia: Without enough B12, the body may produce larger, irregularly shaped red blood cells, leading to • Neurological problems: B12 is vital in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Deficiency can lead to symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty with balance, muscle weakness, memory problems, and • Digestive issues: Some individuals with B12 deficiency may experience digestive problems like loss of appetite, • Tongue inflammation: B12 deficiency can cause inflammation of the tongue (glossitis), leading to a swollen, red, or sore tongue. First signs of vitamin b12 deficiency Fatigue and weak...