DIPHYLLOBOTHRIUM LATUM A key differentiating aspect of D latum infection is vitamin B12 deficiency caused by consumption of the vitamin by the parasite, as well as by parasite-mediated dissociation of the vitamin B12-intrinsic factor complex, thus making the vitamin unavailable to the host.
The tapeworm absorbs the nutrition from food that the infected person eats. This may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia.
Parasitic infections are thought to contribute to child malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency through subtle reduction in digestion and absorption, chronic inflammation and loss of nutrients.
Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.
From these and other results it is concluded that the host and the living tapeworm in the intestinal canal compete for vitamin B12. A deficiency in this substance may result and cause pernicious anemia in the host, if the tapeworm is situated in the proximal part of the small intestine.
In particular, both gastrointestinal diseases and parasitic infections have been shown to impair micronutrient absorption. Several of these micronutrients, including vitamin A, selenium and zinc, play critical roles in immune function and resistance to parasitic infections.
Some people develop nonspecific flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue. Because Babesia parasites infect and destroy red blood cells, babesiosis can cause a special type of anemia called hemolytic anemia.
Pernicious anaemia causes your immune system to attack the cells in your stomach that produce the intrinsic factor, which means your body is unable to absorb vitamin B12.
Reasons for Insufficient Vitamin B-12 Absorption
People who can't absorb vitamin B-12 have either low levels of stomach acid, which your body needs to separate bound vitamin B-12 that occurs naturally in foods, or cannot produce a protein called intrinsic factor.
[1] People who regularly take medications that suppress stomach acid for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease—such as proton-pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or other antacids—may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food.
Parasitic infections can cause deficiencies in vitamins (A, B6, B12) and minerals (iron, calcium, and magnesium), block nutrient absorption, and diminish immunity, predisposing subjects to serious diseases.
Why? Most people do not know they are infected or at risk, or don't have access to appropriate care. And often, health care providers are unfamiliar with these parasitic infections, and may not diagnose or treat them appropriately.
The symptoms may be mild and non-specific, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Untreated tapeworms can live for years, and can lead to malnutrition.
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in SIBO as a result of utilization of the vitamin by bacteria. When bacteria take up the vitamin, it is partially metabolized to inactive ana- logues, which compete with normal vitamin B12 binding and absorption (31,32).
Conclusion. Our study shows that human gut microbial communities produce B12 and sustain growth and metabolic activity and potential B12 cross-feeding to auxotrophic taxa of the community.
How to raise your B12 levels fast. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended. If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs.
If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take months—even a year—to correct it. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, especially among vegetarians and older adults. Also known as cobalamin , it is a water-soluble vitamin found in meat, fish, and dairy. Vitamin B12 is essential for brain and nerve function.
Blood smearThis test is used to look for parasites that are found in the blood. By looking at a blood smear under a microscope, parasitic diseases such as filariasis, malaria, or babesiosis, can be diagnosed. This test is done by placing a drop of blood on a microscope slide.
Unexplained digestive problems, itchiness, anemia, muscular and joint pain, and inability to feel satisfied after even a hearty meal are some of the commonly experienced signs you may have a parasite. Call your doctor if your unusual signs indicate the presence of a parasite.
Common global water-related diseases caused by parasites include Guinea worm, schistosomiasis, amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), and giardiasis.
In addition to the nutritional status, iron deficiency anemia has also been associated with infection by intestinal parasites, namely Schistosoma mansoni, hookworms, T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides [9].
When this happens, we typically experience die-off symptoms, which could include headaches, diarrhea, increased fatigue, or vomiting. Although it may appear that you're getting worse, die-off symptoms are actually positive signs of healing.