Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be a Sign of Cancer?

Vitamin B12 is critical for a variety of functions in the body, including cell metabolism, red blood cell formation, nerve function and the production of DNA. Consequently, having too much or too little of it can increase your risk of health problems. In particular, vitamin B12 deficiency might be linked to cancer.

This article provides an overview of that connection, including symptoms, causes and how to proceed if you have signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY

You can develop vitamin B12 deficiency for multiple reasons. Lack of vitamin B12 in the diet is a common cause. People also experience vitamin B12 deficiency due to digestive diseases and conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, gastritis, pernicious anemia and alcohol use disorder that reduce the body’s ability to absorb it.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include:

• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Yellowish skin
• Unintended weight loss
• Sore mouth or tongue
• Numbness/tingling in extremities
• Vision problems
• Memory issues
• Confusion
• Trouble walking or speaking

THE VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY/CANCER CONNECTION

The connection between insufficient vitamin B12 and cancer is complex and multifaceted. Research suggests that vitamin B12 deficiency increases the risk of certain types of cancer, including stomach cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

At the same time, digestive cancers, such as stomach or small intestine tumors, can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption. And blood cancers can affect the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow, which can impact vitamin B12 levels.

So, while vitamin B12 deficiency isn’t a definitive indicator of cancer, it could be a sign of the disease.

It’s important to note that consuming too much vitamin B12, while typically not harmful, can potentially cause unpleasant side effects. They include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, neurological issues like tingling and numbness, skin problems, fatigue, dizziness and headaches.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Vitamin B12 deficiency has multiple causes, many of which are not related to cancer. Still, it’s important to recognize that insufficient vitamin B12 can increase your risk of certain cancers and be a consequence of others.

Having signs of this deficiency doesn’t mean you have cancer. However, if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, you should talk with your healthcare provider. That’s especially important if the symptoms are accompanied by unexpected weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, rectal bleeding or jaundice.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY FROM BAPTIST HEALTH

If you have questions or concerns about vitamin B12 deficiency, we can help. Our providers can get your medical history, do a physical exam and order blood tests to assess your vitamin B12 level. With that information, they can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Both the cause and solution of a vitamin B12 deficiency can simply be dietary. But if your provider identifies Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, gastritis, pernicious anemia, cancer or another condition, they can develop a treatment plan to address those conditions.

If you don’t have a Baptist Health provider, you can find one using our online directory.

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