Pelvic Radiotherapy a Risk Factor for Vitamin B12 Deficiency

[5^th September 2024]

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published guidelines for Vitamin B12 deficiency in over 16s: diagnosis and management. The guidelines acknowledge ‘previous pelvic radiotherapy’ as a risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency.

View the guidelines in full: Vitamin B12 deficiency in over 16s: Diagnosis and Management

We regularly hear from people, living with Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD), who have developed a vitamin B12 deficiency. Typical symptoms reported to us are; unexplained fatigue and ‘brain fog’. Though these symptoms are not exclusive to vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare team.

• You can find a link to our symptom checklist on our resources page which you may find helpful to take with you to discuss any symptoms you are experiencing.
• A list of PRD symptoms can be found on our ‘What is Pelvic Radiation Disease?‘ page