i am 26 years old. i eat alot of meat. i have a b12 deficiancy (212). why do i have this if i am not a vegan?

Answer 1

B12 deficiency in your case suggests a malabsorption problem. Inadequate stomach acid production (hypochlorhydria) is common and can prevent the digestion and absorption of B12 from food sources. Use of acid inhibiting drugs (e.g. Nexium, Prilosec, etc) cause B12 deficiency for this reason. Are you using these types of drugs?

Less common, but even more serious, is a condition called Pernicious Anemia. This condition results in loss of a molecule produced in the gut called Intrinsic Factor (IF). IF is needed for absorption of B12. Lack of IF results in lack of B12 absorption.

You need to see your doctor for proper testing to determine the CAUSE of your B12 deficiency. If your doctor has not already done this, find a new doctor.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 2

B12 is a unique vitamin. It is bound in the stomach with an intrinisc factor (IF)and absorped in the ileum of the large intestine. Even though you are eating meat you may lack IF or may have antibodies to the "IF". The B12 may not get into your system and lead to neurologic problems in the long run. You should treat it with monthly shots of replacements B12. It is a waste of time to do the testing. There are many complications of B12 deficiency such as anemia, neuropathy, visual loss, cogntive problems.

Answer 3

Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency

B12 and folate deficiency may be due to insufficient intake, inadequate absorption, increased loss, or to increased need. Folate (also called folic acid) is found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, dry beans, yeast, and fortified cereals. B12 is found in animal proteins such as red meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, and in fortified cereals. Deficiency due to insufficient intake of B12 is uncommon but may be seen in vegetarians and their children who do not consume any animal products.

B12 deficiencies also can be caused by insufficient stomach acid necessary to separate B12 from ingested protein (the most common cause in the elderly) or a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance produced by parietal cells in the stomach that binds with B12 before absorption by the intestines. An autoimmune condition called pernicious anemia involves damage to these parietal cells, resulting in decreased production of intrinsic factor.

Both B12 and folate deficiencies can also arise with diseases or conditions that cause general malabsorption, such as: celiac disease (an intolerance to wheat that causes inflammation and malabsorption), bacterial overgrowth in the stomach and intestines, or surgery that removes part of the stomach (and the parietal cells) or the intestines.

Answer 4

could be
causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

* A diet low in vitamin B12 (for example, a strict vegetarian diet that excludes all meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs)
* Chronic alcoholism
* Abdominal or intestinal surgery that affects intrinsic factor production or absorption
* Crohn's disease
* Intestinal malabsorption disorders
* Fish tape worm
* Pernicious anemia, which is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor

your MD diagnosed you with B-12 deficiency?
Its their job to try to find out why

Answer 5

B-12 is part of the iron group, and a severe B-12 deficiency is often brought on by pernicious anemia.

Have your doctor do blood tests for this condition - easily managed, but makes your life miserable if left untreated.

Answer 6

Some people process certain vitamins poorly. I have known people who had to have B12 injections because their body didn't process it, and they were not even diabetic.