What is causing my vitamin B12 deficiency?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 71-year-old female and I take tablet Lisinopril 200 mg for blood pressure and tablet Rosuvastatin 5 mg daily. My blood test shows that I have a vitamin B12 deficiency. My doctor thinks it is due to alcohol consumption. I do not drink a lot but I am vegan. Can being vegan be the reason for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read your concern in detail and will surely help you out. Alcohol seems less likely to be the cause of deficiency in your case. Alcohol taken daily for more than 60 ml for at least one year will cause this deficiency. I think this is not the case with you.
Secondly, yes vegan diet is a very common cause of B12 deficiency. Infact, it is more common a cause than alcohol. You can start eating non-vegetarian food if you are able to. If you are not able to, then I suggest you take a tablet Methylcobalamin 1500 mcg a day for one month, which should be more than enough.
However, I will need to see your reports especially complete blood count to give more clarity on this topic. One complete blood count report can tell a lot of things. Hope this was helpful. Kindly revert in case of further queries.
Regards.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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