D2I2.
nutritional⚑ High burden in India

Vitamin B12 deficiency

, also known as cobalamin deficiency, is the medical condition in which the blood and have a lower than normal level of vitamin B12.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·Decreased ability to think, feeling tired, depression, irritability, abnormal sensations, changes in reflexes

Causes — why it happens

  • ·Poor absorption, decreased intake, increased requirements

How it's found

  • ·Blood levels below 148–185 pmol/L (200–250 pg/mL) in adults

Prevention

  • ·Supplementation in those at high risk

Treatment

  • ·Supplementation by mouth or injection

Complications

  • ·Megaloblastic , irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system

Outlook

  • ·60 years old)
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.