Gastritis and vitamin deficiency: what to know

Stomach inflammation can reduce appetite and make eating uncomfortable. Some forms of gastritis affect the stomach cells involved in releasing nutrients for absorption, while long-term acid-suppressing treatment may influence the handling of certain nutrients. Tiredness, pale skin, sore tongue, tingling or weakness can have many causes, so symptoms do not prove a deficiency. Helicobacter Pylori Infection, heavy alcohol use and other digestive conditions may also need consideration.

Arrange a clinical review if poor appetite, indigestion, upper-abdominal pain or fatigue continues. A clinician may ask about diet, alcohol, medicines and previous stomach problems, then choose blood tests based on the symptoms. Treatment could involve addressing the cause and replacing a confirmed nutrient, but high-dose supplements are not automatically suitable and can obscure test results. Continue prescribed treatment until you have received advice.

Get urgent help for vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt review for progressive weakness, breathlessness on ordinary activity, numbness, balance changes, persistent vomiting or unexplained loss of appetite. These features can reflect anaemia, dehydration, bleeding or another condition rather than a simple dietary gap.

Could my symptoms reflect a vitamin or mineral deficiency? Which blood tests are suitable before starting supplements? Could Helicobacter Pylori Infection, alcohol or my medicine be contributing? How will we check whether treatment is working?