D50-D53: Nutritional anaemias

D51: Vitamin B 12 deficiency anaemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is a group of conditions caused by lower-than-normal levels of vitamin B12 in the body, which is crucial for making red blood cells. Often caused by poor dietary intake, inadequate absorption, or certain ailments that interfere with B12 processing, it may produce various symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. More advanced cases may display neurological signs, including numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, balance problems, depression, confusion, dementia, or poor memory. The lack of B12 hampers the body's capacity to produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Over time, the condition could affect the entire body, impacting various body functions such as oxygen transport and nerve function. Though the deficiency may develop gradually over months to years, it calls for timely diagnosis and management.