Which Three Vitamins Are Responsible for Anemia?

November 15, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the World Health Organization, anemia is a significant global public health problem affecting billions of people worldwide. While iron deficiency is the most common nutritional cause, a lack of certain vitamins is also responsible for anemia, specifically vitamins B12, B9 (folate), and C.

Quick Summary

Anemia can result from a deficiency in specific vitamins essential for red blood cell production. These include vitamin B12, folate (B9), and in some cases, vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption. This nutritional imbalance can lead to fatigue and other health issues.

Key Points

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 leads to megaloblastic anemia, where the body produces abnormally large red blood cells.
Folate (B9) Deficiency: Like B12, folate deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and affects cell division, including red blood cells.
Vitamin C's Indirect Role: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of dietary iron, and a deficiency can contribute to iron-deficiency anemia.
Megaloblastic vs. Microcytic Anemia: B12 and folate deficiencies cause megaloblastic anemia (large red blood cells), while vitamin C's role relates to microcytic (small red blood cells) iron deficiency.
Dietary Sources: B12 comes from animal products, folate from leafy greens, and vitamin C from fruits and vegetables.
Absorption Issues: Some medical conditions and surgeries can prevent proper absorption of these vitamins, even with an adequate diet.
Supplements and Treatment: Addressing deficiencies often requires dietary changes and, in many cases, supplements or injections under medical supervision.

A deficiency in certain vitamins is a major contributor to anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of healthy red blood cells. These deficiencies impede the body's ability to produce oxygen-carrying hemoglobin, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. The primary vitamins involved are B12, B9 (folate), and Vitamin C, each playing a crucial role in blood cell formation.

Vitamin B12: The Megaloblastic Anemia Factor

Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and producing red blood cells and DNA. A lack of B12 can result in megaloblastic or pernicious anemia, where the body creates large, immature red blood cells that don't function correctly, reducing oxygen transport. Causes include diets lacking animal products, autoimmune conditions like pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal problems affecting absorption, and age-related reduced stomach acid.

Folate (Vitamin B9): Essential for Cellular Division

Folate is another B vitamin necessary for red blood cell production and cell division. A deficiency can also cause megaloblastic anemia. Low dietary intake, malabsorption issues, increased needs during pregnancy, and alcohol abuse can lead to folate deficiency.

Vitamin C: The Iron Absorption Catalyst

Vitamin C supports iron absorption, particularly non-heme iron from plants. Since iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, low vitamin C intake can indirectly contribute by reducing the body's ability to use dietary iron. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli are good sources. Eating these with iron-rich foods can improve iron uptake.

Comparison of Vitamin Deficiencies and Anemia Types


Feature	Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia	Folate (B9) Deficiency Anemia	Vitamin C's Indirect Role in Anemia
Anemia Type	Megaloblastic/Pernicious	Megaloblastic	Contributes to Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Key Function	DNA synthesis, red blood cell maturation, nerve health.	Red blood cell production, cell division.	Enhances absorption of dietary iron.
Common Cause	Pernicious anemia (autoimmune), dietary lack (vegans).	Inadequate diet, malabsorption, pregnancy.	Low intake of vitamin C-rich foods.
Affected Cells	Abnormally large, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts).	Abnormally large, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts).	Reduced iron absorption leads to smaller, pale red blood cells (microcytic anemia).
Neurological Symptoms	Common, including numbness and confusion.	Less common than with B12 deficiency.	None, unless related to other issues.
Primary Treatment	Injections for pernicious anemia, supplements.	Oral supplements, improved diet.	Increased dietary intake of Vitamin C.

Preventing Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

Ensure adequate intake of B12, folate, and Vitamin C through diet. Supplements may be needed for those with absorption issues or dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Deficiencies in B12, folate, and indirectly, vitamin C, are significant causes of anemia. B12 and folate are essential for red blood cell production, while vitamin C aids iron absorption. Addressing these deficiencies through diet and supplementation can help prevent and manage nutritional anemia.

For more detailed information on vitamin deficiency, refer to authoritative health resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which causes symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Severe, untreated deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage.

Both deficiencies cause megaloblastic anemia, but a B12 deficiency can also lead to more serious and long-lasting neurological problems. Folate deficiency is often tied more directly to dietary intake, while B12 deficiency can also stem from absorption issues like pernicious anemia.

A multivitamin can help prevent nutritional deficiencies that may lead to anemia, especially if your diet is poor. However, if you have an absorption problem like pernicious anemia, an oral multivitamin may not be enough, and you will need specific medical treatment.

Individuals at risk include vegans and vegetarians, older adults, pregnant women, people with intestinal disorders like Crohn's or celiac disease, and those who have had gastrointestinal surgery.

Vitamin C is important because it helps your body absorb non-heme iron from plant-based foods, which is essential for producing healthy red blood cells. Without sufficient vitamin C, the body's ability to utilize dietary iron is reduced, which can contribute to anemia.

Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale or yellowish skin, and an irregular heartbeat. Neurological symptoms like numbness and tingling can also occur, especially with a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Treatment involves restoring the deficient vitamin levels through oral supplements, or in the case of severe B12 deficiency or absorption issues, injections. Your doctor may also recommend dietary changes to increase your intake of these vitamins.