B12 And H. Pylori

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, has the most extensive and complicated chemical structure of all the essential vitamins. A deficiency in this compound may actually indicate the presence of Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori -- a detrimental bacterium responsible for infecting your gastrointestinal tract and causing peptic ulcers. If you are experiencing any abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting alongside a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may have a H. pylori infection, which requires immediate medical attention.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, like all the B-complex vitamins, plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, brain function and development, and the conversion of food into energy -- particularly fats and proteins. Ideally, adults should consume approximately 2.4 mcg each day. Cobalamin is naturally abundant in animal products such as fish, meats and dairy items like milk and eggs. A deficiency in vitamin B12 will often cause symptoms of anemia, fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss and general weakness.

Helicobacter Pylori

If the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency occur in tandem with peptic ulcer symptoms, your physician will immediately test you for the presence of H. pylori. Although it is unknown how the bacteria transmits, it is likely to spread through contaminated food and water, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House. Infection is most common in developing countries and can sit dormant from childhood until adulthood. The bacteria damage the mucousal coating that protects the stomach lining and duodenum -- the beginning of the small intestine -- and ultimately cause an ulcer. H. pylori is not the only cause of peptic ulcers, but it is a primary agent.

Effects

The damaging effects of H. pylori interfere with the absorption of essential compounds like vitamin B12. According to a May 2000 study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," H. pylori caused severe gastric atrophy in anemic patients, which significantly hindered the absorption of vitamin B12, causing a deficiency. Moreover, a 2004 study published in "Nephron Clinical Practice" found that H. pylori caused low vitamin B12 levels in patients with initial low and normal vitamin B12 levels. A January 2004 study published in the "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology" showed that alcoholics were particularly susceptible to H. pylori-induced peptic ulcers and the corresponding vitamin B12 deficiency.

Bottom Line

If you experience a dull or burning pain, particularly when your stomach is empty, and it lasts for minutes to hours for several days or weeks, you may be suffering from an H. pylori-induced peptic ulcer. The combination of vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms will be an important indicator. Alert your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms. Typically, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and provide acid-reducing medication to alleviate the pain. Generally, the vitamin B12 deficiency will resolve itself since it is a secondary issue.