Etiology, Epidemiology, Mechanism of Action, Pharmacokinetics, Diagnosis, Differential Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications of Cyanocobalamin (B 12) Deficiency

Eggs, dairy, and red meat are examples of animal products that contain vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, a water-soluble vitamin. The stomach's parietal cells produce intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein that is necessary for the terminal ileum to absorb vitamin B12. After it is absorbed, vitamin B12 is utilized as a cofactor by enzymes involved in the formation of myelin, fatty acids, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Hematologic and neurological problems may arise from a vitamin B12 shortage. The liver stores more vitamin B12 than is needed, which lowers the risk of a deficit. Hepatic reserves are exhausted and deficiency is confirmed in situations when vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed, such as when there is dietary insufficiency, malabsorption, or intrinsic factor deficiency. This exercise describes how vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed and treated, emphasizing the importance of the interprofessional team in improving patient care.