Many people with Celiac disease also have a vitamin B12 deficiency. The primary reason is that the symptoms of Celiac disease include malnutrition and malabsorption of vitamins and minerals.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. The lining of the small intestine destroys itself in the presence of gluten proteins, found in wheat. As a result, the symptoms of Celiac disease include diarrhea and abdominal pain. Some people with this disorder experience constipation, nausea or lactose intolerance.
Many people with Celiac disease with also suffer from fatigue, seizures, depression, joint pain, nosebleeds and muscle cramps.
People with Celiac disease tend to have difficulty absorbing vitamins and nutrients from the foods they eat. Consequently, they are more prone to anemia, and a deficiency in one or more of the following: iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin K.
The cause of this disorder is primarily genetic. It is found more often in people who are Caucasian and of European ancestry, and more frequently in women than in men. It can happen at any age.
Treatment for Celiac disease includes abstaining from foods containing wheat or other adverse proteins. In addition, individuals with this disorder must supplement their diets with vitamin B12, iron, folate and vitamin K.