Health Home > Blood Disorders > Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

Healthwise
By Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

Did you find this helpful?

Be the first to rate!
Not yet rated

Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia include:

  • Long-term (chronic) inflammation of the stomach (atrophic gastritis).
  • Pregnancy or breast-feeding.
  • Removal of all or part of the stomach (gastrectomy), gastric bypass surgery, or gastric stapling surgery.
  • Problems of the small intestine (ileum) where vitamin B12 is absorbed.
  • Certain parasite infections, such as a fish tapeworm.
  • Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Not eating meat, eggs, or dairy products. Vitamin B12 is found only in foods that come from animals. Strict vegetarians (vegans) who do not eat milk, meat, or cheese can prevent having a vitamin B12 deficiency by taking supplements or multivitamins that contain vitamin B12.
  • Long-term use of certain medications to treat ulcers, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
  • Alcoholism.

Credits

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Denele Ivins
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
Last Updated December 19, 2008
Last Updated: 12/19/2008