Celiac disease is an intestinal disorder caused by consumption of the protein gluten, which is primarily found in bread, pasta, cookies, wheat, rye, pizza and barley. People with celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction that causes damage to the inner surface of the small intestine. Damage to the small intestine causes an inability to absorb nutrients.
Celiac Disease and Vitamin B-12
Celiac disease prevents the absorption of vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is necessary for red blood cells production, DNA synthesis and maintenance of healthy nerve cells. Vitamin B-12 is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine with the help of a protein known as intrinsic factor. Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestine, which leads to problems with absorption of vitamin B-12.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Symptoms
People with vitamin B-12 deficiency caused by celiac disease may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, sore tongue, fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, irritability, confusion, memory problems, depression, numbness and tingling of hands and feet, psychosis and dementia. Patients with severe B-12 deficiency may experience permanent neurological damage.
Getting Enough Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 supplements are available in form of tablets, capsules, liquids and injections. Vitamin B-12 injections are injected into deep muscles of the arms, hips and thighs. People with celiac disease may experience problems absorbing oral forms of B-12. Vitamin B-12 shots are more suitable for patients with celiac disease because of increased absorbency of the vitamin. If you have celiac disease, you may require lifelong B-12 supplements.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
If you have celiac disease, you may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, bloating, weakness, fatigue, foul-smelling stool, fatty stools that float, constipation, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, osteoporosis, stunted growth, mouth ulcers, nosebleeds, itchy skin, hair loss, depression, bruising easily, irritability, delayed puberty, cavities, seizures, muscle cramps, joint pain and missed menstrual periods.
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