Risk Factors Associated With A Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Celiac Disease

Like Graves' disease, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. When this illness is left untreated, it causes damage to the intestinal lining, and when the intestines are damaged, they cannot absorb a normal amount of nutrients. Thus, someone who suffers from celiac disease is likely to have a host of deficiencies, including one in vitamin B12. Celiac disease is treated by having the patient follow a strict diet with no gluten. If the patient is compliant with this, the intestines should heal and be able to absorb nutrients normally again. Many patients stop being deficient in vitamin B12 after beginning to follow a gluten-free diet. However, if a patient has many symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency or if their deficiency is considered severe, the doctor may recommend taking supplements.

Learn more about what may result in a deficiency of vitamin B12 now.