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Iron with vitamin B12 & D deficiency
My sister is 38 years old, female and vegetarian. Her recent blood tests showed:
• Haemoglobin (Hb): 9.8 g/dL
• MCV: 68 fL
• Serum iron: 34.3
• Vitamin B12: 105
• Vitamin D: 6.28
She has been experiencing fatigue, but her periods are normal.
We would like to understand the appropriate treatment for these deficiencies. Does she need iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplementation, and what dosage/duration is generally recommended for levels this low?
Since she follows a 100% vegetarian diet, what dietary changes should we make to improve iron and B12 levels?
We would especially like to know whether these levels can be managed with oral supplements or whether injections/other treatment may be required.
Answers (10)
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These reports suggest significant iron-deficiency anaemia with low vitamin D; B12 is borderline low. Fatigue can be due to anaemia, but the cause of iron loss should be checked even with normal periods. Oral iron is usually effective, but the dose and duration should be based on weight, tolerance and repeat CBC/ferritin. Vitamin D replacement should be taken as a planned course, not indefinitely.
Next Steps
Please consult a physician with the complete CBC, ferritin, B12 and vitamin D reports; dietary deficiency and occult blood loss may need evaluation. I can review the reports and guide supplementation through a Practo consultation or at Synergy Multispeciality Hospital, Miraj.
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Take supplements
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Hi
Vitamin B12 and D levels are extremely low for your sister. Both needs IV medicine. Her iron is low too.
When so many vitamins and minerals are low it's better to find out the reason behind it, rather than treating their deficiency alone.
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feel free to consult me on practo for further evaluation and management
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If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at eight six one nine six six nine nine zero six. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
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Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Walk
Do connect and consult
Will help you
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Your haemoglobin, B12, and vitamin D levels are low enough to need proper treatment, not diet changes alone. This isn't something to manage without medical guidance.
Next Steps
See a physician who can decide whether oral supplements are enough for you or whether you need additional treatment.
Health Tips
Vegetarian sources like lentils, dairy, and fortified foods help, but at these levels they can't replace supervised treatment.
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Dr. Sunita Choudhary
General Physician
3 yrs exp
Jaipur
You need supplements but dosage as prescribed by physician do not take by your own .
Next Steps
with supplements you must follow a healthy diet
include green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits also lemon beetroot and amla juice For vit D take 15 min morning sunlight
put curd in cloth and after straining water eat 1 Katori daily ,drink milk ,include paneer
Health Tips
consult for dosage of supplements and must follow diet routine
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Dr. Suhail Shameem Naikoo
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Doda
Oral iron + high-dose oral B12 + oral D3 will often be enough, but the cause of the iron/B12 deficiency should b evaluated
Next Steps
Go get some tests done IRON profile ,peripheral blood smear,folate,retic count
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Dr. Reesha Varshney
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Hathras
These levels shouldn't be ignored on the very first place
Secondly such levels can't be managed on dietary modification alone.
Vit d levels are very low
(Injectibles will be a better option)
For iron and vit b12, oral medication will help
Kindly consult on practo app
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Do consult
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