Vitamin B12 deficiency living in teenagers

Overview

Vitamin B12 deficiency means your body doesn't have enough vitamin B12. This vitamin helps make red blood cells and keeps your nerves healthy. In teenagers, it can cause tiredness, trouble thinking, and mood changes. With proper care, it can be treated.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is not very common in teenagers, but it does happen. It is more common in teenagers who follow strict vegan or vegetarian diets, or who have certain health conditions that affect absorption.

Teenagers who eat little or no animal products, those with digestive problems (like Crohn's disease or celiac disease), those who have had weight loss surgery, or those taking certain medications (like metformin or acid-reducing drugs) are more likely to be affected.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling very tired or weak
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Trouble thinking clearly or remembering things
• Mood changes like feeling irritated or depressed

Symptoms in children

• Delayed growth or development
• Trouble walking or moving normally
• Irritability and crying more than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• This section is for teenagers; similar symptoms apply, but older adults may also have confusion or memory loss

Causes

Main causes

• Not getting enough vitamin B12 from food (common in vegan/vegetarian diets)
• Your body can't absorb B12 properly due to a lack of 'intrinsic factor' (pernicious anemia)
• Digestive conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or stomach surgery
• Long-term use of certain medications like acid reducers or metformin

Risk factors

• Following a vegan or vegetarian diet without supplements
• Having a family history of pernicious anemia or other autoimmune conditions
• Having a condition that affects your stomach or small intestine
• Taking medications that reduce stomach acid or treat diabetes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe weakness, numbness, or trouble walking
• If you have sudden confusion or chest pain

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you feel very tired for weeks without a clear reason
• If you notice tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
• If you have mood changes or trouble concentrating
• If you follow a vegan/vegetarian diet and have any of these symptoms

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, diet, and medical history. They may do a physical exam and order a blood test.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test to measure vitamin B12 level
• Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia
• Sometimes other tests to check for underlying causes, like antibodies for pernicious anemia

What to expect at your appointment

The blood test is quick and routine. You may need to stop taking certain supplements before the test. Results usually come back in a few days.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing the deficiency. For most teenagers, the goal is to raise B12 levels and treat the underlying cause. This can be done with supplements, injections, or changes in diet.

Self-care at home

• Eat foods rich in vitamin B12: meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals or plant milks
• If you are vegan or vegetarian, consider fortified foods or supplements (talk to your doctor first)
• Follow your treatment plan as recommended by your doctor

Medical treatments

Treatment usually involves vitamin B12 supplements. For people who cannot absorb B12 from food (like those with pernicious anemia), doctors may give vitamin B12 injections into a muscle. For others, high-dose oral (by mouth) supplements may be enough. The doctor will decide the best form and dose for you. Do not take supplements without a doctor's advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually needed to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. It may be used to treat an underlying condition (like removing a part of the stomach or intestine) that is causing the deficiency, but only in very rare cases.

Living with this condition

Most teenagers with vitamin B12 deficiency can lead a normal life with proper treatment. You may need to take supplements regularly and see your doctor for check-ups.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a balanced diet with enough B12 from animal products or fortified foods
• If you take supplements, use them as directed
• Keep track of your energy levels and symptoms
• Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet rich in B12 is key. Include foods like eggs, dairy, fish, and fortified cereals. If you are vegan, talk to a dietitian about getting enough B12. Exercise can help improve energy, but listen to your body and rest when needed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

B12 deficiency can affect your mood and thinking. It may cause depression, anxiety, or trouble concentrating. Treatment can help improve these symptoms. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a trusted adult or mental health professional.

Prevention

In many cases, yes. Eating a diet with enough vitamin B12 can prevent deficiency. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, use fortified foods or supplements. If you have a medical condition that affects absorption, work with your doctor to manage it.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Screening programmes

Routine screening is not usually needed for teenagers unless they have risk factors. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe anemia (low red blood cells) leading to fatigue and weakness
• Nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling, or trouble walking
• Mood changes or depression
• Problems with memory and concentration

Long-term outlook

With early diagnosis and treatment, most teenagers recover fully and have no long-term problems. Even if symptoms have been present for a while, treatment can help improve them. The outlook is very good.

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