for vitamin b-12 and folate deficiency anemia the treatment depends on the cause of the deficiency. if your body stores are depleted of vitamin b-12 your doctor will most likely prescribe vitamin b-12 injections and may also recommend high doses of b-12 supplements or a b-12 nasal spray. there is a good chance that many of the symptoms of deficiency will improve once the body is provided with the needed b-12. most people with vitamin b-12 deficiency have a permanent inability to absorb vitamin b-12 and will need injections every one to three months or pills daily for the rest of their lives. some forms of gastric bypass surgery are associated with deficiencies of iron vitamin b12 and other nutrients typically absorbed in the part of the stomach that is bypassed. your doctor may also recommend that you increase the amount of vitamin b-12 in your diet. good dietary sources of vitamin b-12 are meat liver and kidney; fish oysters and clams; and milk cheese and eggs. if you have a folate deficiency your doctor will prescribe folate supplements and may recommend you increase the amount of folate in your diet. good dietary sources of folate include fresh fruits green leafy vegetables cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower broccoli and brussel sprouts) liver and kidney dairy products and whole grain cereals. vegetables should be eaten raw or lightly cooked.
how are vitamin b-12 and folate deficiency anemia treated?