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Vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) deficiency is a common cause of macrocytic anemia and has been implicated in a spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders.The role of B 12 deficiency in hyperhomocysteinemia and the promotion of atherosclerosis is only now being explored.itamin B 12 deficiency, therefore, can lead to increased levels of serum methylmalonic acid. In the second reaction, homocysteine is converted to methionine by using vitamin B 12 and folic acid as cofactors. In this reaction, a deficiency of vitamin B 12 or folic acid may lead to increased homocysteine levels.
The main causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include vitamin B12 malabsorption from food, pernicious anemia, postsurgical malabsorption, and dietary deficiency [ 12 ]. However, in many cases, the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is unknown. The following groups are among those most likely to be vitamin B12 deficient.itamin B12 deficiency is characterized by megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss [ 1, 3, 27 ]. Neurological changes, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, can also occur [ 5, 28 ].