Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin. The red cells blood production occurs through Vitamin B12. These cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Vitamin B12 deficiency could possibly be an indication for few types of cancers that affect your blood and digestive system.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency indicate cancer?
B12 vitamin is essential for various bodily functions, including production of your red blood cells, efficient functioning of nerves, and synthesis of your DNA. Animal products like meats have vitamin B12 in them. You can however add vitamin B12 through intake of fortified foods or use supplements if you are a vegetarian.
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What does vitamin B12 do?
Vitamin B12 helps generate red blood cells. The red cells supply the required oxygen. It supplies oxygen efficiently throughout your body. Red blood cells also assist in nerve function. B12 not only supports red blood cells growth but also maintains nerve cells health. B12 maintains the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is the one that insulates nerve fibers. Nerve impulses are efficiently transmitted through myelin sheath.
Vitamin B12 plays a key role in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis; also called DNA replication. DNA ensures inheritance and accurate replication of genetic data. It is the genetic material in cells.
B12 also plays an active role in cell metabolism. It takes an active role in metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Your cellular wellbeing needs vitamin B12 as it contributes to energy production within.
What causes vitamin B12 deficiency?
Triggers causing vitamin B12 deficiency include:
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The absence of food products rich in vitamin B12 in your system is the main cause for vitamin B12 deficiency. You are advised to eat foods rich in vitamin B12, or go for B-12-fortified foods -
Gastritis: this condition causes vitamin B12 deficiency due to lack of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. Vitamin B12 absorption relies on adequate availability of hydrochloric acid -
Pernicious anemia is a rare medical condition. People who suffer from it will not be able to make intrinsic factor – this is a protein (or a macromolecule). Your body needs IF to absorb B12 vitamins -
Diseases in your digestive tract such as Celiac and Crohn’s disease can prevent your body from absorbing vitamin B12 – causing a deficient condition -
Vitamin B12 absorption gets difficult when you have undergone a gastrointestinal surgery like a gastric bypass (a weight loss surgery) -
Alcohol abuse can also damage your digestive system and lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Do you know if vitamin B12 deficiency indicates cancer?
You cannot confirm that always vitamin B12 deficiency indicates cancer symptoms. But – in some cases – this can be a sign of a few types of cancers viz., tumors in your blood, gastric tract, etc.
According to medical research, vitamin B12 deficiency is not a primary sign of cancer; it is however indicative of other underlying health issues. Low levels of vitamin B12 and risks of some forms of cancers have a potential-link in between them. This link is more pronounced in case of gastric cancers.
Nutrient absorption can be disturbed when cancers like stomach cancers, colorectal and pancreatic cancers interfere with it. These cancers can impair vitamin B12 absorption, and lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
A few types of blood cancers can disrupt red blood cell production and this can trigger vitamin B12 deficiencies. Blood cancers can also affect B12 metabolism; a few reports indicate cervical cancers and breast cancers have a closer link to B12 metabolism.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and how your body responds to it
Lack of needful vitamin B12 makes you tired and weak. Persistent fatigue occurs when your red cells count decline.
You are likely to face neurological conditions; damages caused to nerves can trigger numbness, a tingling sensation in your fingers and even cause dementia – a degenerative nerve condition. There are instances of other symptoms like eyesight-related problems, mood swings such as being depressed, staying irritated, difficulties experienced while speaking, walking coupled with a few behavioral changes.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can even lead to a decline in your cognitive function, potentially resulting in confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Other physical symptoms are vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, weight loss, not feeling as hungry as usual, sore mouth or tongue, yellowish skin, etc.
Megaloblastic anemia can indicate another symptom. Megaloblastic anemia transforms your red blood cells to an abnormally larger size. It can cause shortness of breath and tiredness, paling of skin, formation of oral ulcers, and digestive disorders.
Who is more likely to get vitamin B12 deficiency?
If you are a vegetarian - one who follows a vegan diet, you are more likely to get vitamin b12 deficiency. Elders are at an added risk. Also, if you have digestive disorders, or have had a stomach surgery, you need to stay alert of potential risks.
Beware: Patients living with autoimmune diseases are at an added level of risk of getting B12 deficiency. Medical conditions like type 1 diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome – another autoimmune disease - can increase risks of such deficiencies. Weight-loss surgery programs can also impair absorption of this vitamin B12.
If you have a close relative(s) with a history of this deficiency, you are at a higher risk of getting it. Added to the above, persons with HIV / AIDS are at an added risk.
On B12 supplements: It is a wise practice to talk to a general physician before using vitamin B12 supplements; though some are available without a prescription, consult with a doctor prior to using them. It takes a qualified caregiver to assess your individual needs and confirm the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Right dosage level is prescribed based on the extent of B12 deficit.
In sum, if you suspect vitamin B12 deficiency, approach a physician without further delay. Your caregiver will assess the signs, and order tests to diagnose the underlying causes. In case of conditions like pernicious anemia, your caregiving team may refer to a hematologist – a specialist who focuses on treating blood-related disorders.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.