Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency

Overview

Folate and vitamin B12 are both necessary vitamins for your body to operate properly. When you have a deficiency, this means that you aren’t getting an adequate amount of something that you should be having. Some people can have a deficiency in folate or vitamin B12. In some instances, you can have both a vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Vitamin B12 is important because it does a lot of things in your body. For example, Vitamin B12 is used to make sure your nervous system is working properly because you need vitamin B12 to make new blood cells like red blood cells. In addition, one responsibility folate has is to make new cells. Folate is particularly more important in individuals who intend to become pregnant or may happen to get pregnant. Within the first couple weeks of pregnancy, getting enough folate is essential because it is required for the baby to grow properly. People can get a deficiency of folate or vitamin B12 when they’re not consuming enough foods that have those vitamins in them. Most people can get enough when they eat cereal and grains since folate is added to most of these. Vitamin B12 is typically found in animal products such as eggs and meats, so vegetarians and vegans have to put in more effort to ensure they get a sufficient amount of vitamin B12. Another possible reason for having a folate or vitamin B12 deficiency is due to certain medical conditions where their body is unable to use those vitamins correctly. Some common health conditions where a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency is not surprising to see are those with skin diseases, those experiencing side effects from medication, after weight loss surgery, pernicious anemia, and anemia.

Treatment of Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency

You can get vitamin B12 and folate by consuming foods that contain those vitamins. Common foods that have folate are green leafy vegetables, bread, fruit, and cereal. You may also consider taking folate supplements that are available in capsules, pills, or liquids that will have nutrients in them. You should easily find this in your local pharmacy as folate can also be used as a gallbladder support supplement. Additionally, vitamin B12 can be found in foods such as eggs, milk, fish, meat. If you are a vegan or vegetarian or someone that doesn’t eat dairy products, eggs, or meat, you will more than likely not be able to get a sufficient amount of vitamin B12 from your diet by itself. You may also consider taking supplements. If you’re not sure which one is the best for you, you can talk to your doctor about what supplements are the best for you.

References:

1. Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia. NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/. Accessed September 19, 2021.
2. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/vitamin-b12-deficiency-anemia. Accessed September 19, 2021.