The Chamber of Pharmacists in the German state of Hessen said that some medications may lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body, such as pantoprazole, omeprazole, and esomeprazole, which are used to treat heartburn, or esophageal reflux problems.
The chamber added that the drug metformin, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, may also cause a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body.
In addition to these medications, vitamin B12 deficiency in the body also occurs due to following a diet that completely dispenses with foods from animal sources, since vitamin B12 is found in animal foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in the body are tingling or burning in the hands and feet, pale skin, cracked corners of the mouth, redness of the tongue, and a feeling of pain in it.
Symptoms may also include memory problems, mood swings, extreme fatigue, emaciation, and problems with sleep, vision, and balance.
In severe cases, movement disorders, paralysis and convulsions may also occur.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be dealt with by eating foods rich in it, and it can also be dealt with by injections or high-dose oral preparations, knowing that a dose of 1000 micrograms is sufficient.