Vitamin B12 is important for your body to work properly; therefore, poor intake or absorption of this vitamin can cause a deficiency. If you've had your gallbladder removed, you may have trouble absorbing some vitamins. Although vitamin B12 can still be absorbed well after this surgery, you may have to make dietary changes that interfere with vitamin B12 intake.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a member of the B complex family of vitamins, also known as cobalamin. The body needs B vitamins to use the energy from fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Vitamin B12 is also needed for other processes in the body, such as manufacturing new DNA and making red blood cells. Myelin, a protein that covers and protects your nerves and speeds up nerve signaling, also needs vitamin B12 to be made.
Gallbladder Removal
The gallbladder is responsible for storing bile, a substance that is made by the liver. Bile helps your digestive tract break down fat globules from your diet, allowing them to be digested and absorbed by your digestive tract. If your gallbladder is removed, you may have trouble absorbing fats, which can also cause a deficiency of some "fat soluble" vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K. However, gallbladder removal does not directly affect vitamin B12 absorption.
Dietary Changes
Some of the dietary changes necessary after gallbladder removal may cause a vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin is primarily found in animal-based foods, such as eggs, milk, beef, poultry, pork and fish. Because these foods are also often high in fat, they can cause pain and diarrhea if you have your gallbladder removed. Avoiding animal-based foods can, over time, cause a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Considerations
Vitamin B12 deficiencies initially manifest as pallor, fatigue and weakness. As the deficiency progresses, your nerves can be affected, resulting in numbness, tingling or pain in your extremities. If you have to make significant changes to your diet after gallbladder surgery, talk to your doctor, especially if you develop signs of vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin B12 can be found in fortified grains and is also available as a supplement.
