Symptoms of the disease

There are not always obvious symptoms. These appear gradually.

• Typical symptoms of anemia are: fatigue, a pale and sometimes yellowish complexion, dizziness, increased heart rate and increased shortness of breath on exertion.
• A weak appetite.
• Sometimes nausea and disturbed digestion (diarrhea or constipation).
• The tongue is red and dry.
• Neurological symptoms, in case of greater deficiency: numbness and tingling in the extremities, poor coordination, mood disorders, memory loss, dementia.

   

People at risk

• The men and women of 65 and over.
• People from Northern Europe (Caucasians) and African Americans.
• Vegetarians and vegans
• Patients with autoimmune diseases (Graves, vitiligo)
• People who use metformin and certain antacids
• People with certain types of stomach or bowel surgeries
• People with malabsorption from any cause (crohn, celiac, chronic pancreatitis, etc.)

Risk factors

• Alcohol abuse.