Anemia means your body is in short supply of red blood cells. Vitamin deficiency anemia means this lack of red blood is caused by a deficiency in certain vitamins.
Vitamin deficiency anemia causes the count of red blood cells to be low because certain vitamins are used in blood production. And when your red blood cell count is down your body is running low on oxygen, thus low on energy.
Beyond feeling fatigued, vitamin deficiency anemia may cause you other health related symptoms like:
- diarrhea
- pale skin
- irritability
- weight loss
- bleeding gums
- sore, red tongue
- balance problems
- muscle weakness
- numbness, tingling
- syncope, faint feeling
- confusion, forgetfulness
Vitamin deficiency anemia typically develops slowly, so you may not acknowledge these low red blood cell count symptoms until your vitamin deficiency becomes significant.
The three vitamins that can cause vitamin deficiency anemia are folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. Malnutrition is a major cause of vitamin deficiency and consuming a well balanced diet is vital to maintaining an adequate red blood cell count.
However, there are other health conditions that may be causing a deficiency in one or more of these vitamins, such as:
- cancer
- pregnancy
- alcoholism
- malabsorption
- celiac disease
- hyperthyroidism
- Crohn’s disease
- intestinal bacterial over growth
- hemodialysis for kidney disease
Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia, aka pernicious anemia, is most often caused by the lack of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a necessary substance for vitamin B12 absorption. This condition can be hereditary and vitamin B12 shots will be required for life if that is your case.
Absent some underlying health condition, vitamin deficiency anemia is often correctable via changes in your diet and vitamin supplements.
