Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, due to a lack (deficiency) of vitamin B12. This vitamin is needed to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of your body. Without enough red blood cells, your tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen. Without enough oxygen, your body can’t work as well. Folic acid, also
called folate, is another B vitamin. Anemias caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or a lack of folate are 2 types of megaloblastic anemia. With these types of anemia, the red blood cells don’t develop normally. They are very large. And they are shaped like an oval, not round like healthy red blood cells. This causes the bone marrow to make fewer red blood cells. In some cases the red blood cells die sooner than normal. Vitamin
B12 deficiency anemia is more common in people whose families come from northern Europe. It is caused by one of the following: The inability to make intrinsic factor may be caused by several things, such as:
Other types of megaloblastic anemia may be linked with type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and a family history of the disease. The inability to make intrinsic factor may be the result of several factors, such as chronic gastritis, gastrectomy (removal of all or part of the stomach), or an autoimmune condition (the body attacks its own tissues). Other types of megaloblastic anemia may be associated with type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and a family history of the disease. Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia include:
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of megaloblastic anemia may look like other blood conditions or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia diagnosed?This type of anemia is usually found during a medical exam through a routine blood test. Your healthcare provider will take your medical history and give you a physical exam. Your provider may give you additional blood tests. You may also have other evaluation procedures, such as a bone marrow biopsy. How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia treated?Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment for you based on:
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia and folate deficiency anemia often occur together and can be hard to tell apart. Treatment may include vitamin B12 shots (injections) and folic acid pills. Foods that are rich in folic acid include the following:
Foods that are rich in both folic acid and vitamin B12 include the following:
Taking folic acid by mouth is more effective than eating foods rich in folic acid. Vitamin B12 is not as well absorbed by mouth as per injection. Living with vitamin B12 deficiency anemiaDepending on the cause of your vitamin B12 deficiency, you may need to take vitamin B12 supplements for the rest of your life. These may be pills or shots. This may seem difficult. But it will let you live a normal life without symptoms. If your deficiency is due to a restrictive diet, you may want to work with a nutritionist. He or she can help ensure that you get enough vitamin B12 and other vitamins. Tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms and follow your treatment plan. Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Which of the following foods that are best supply of vitamin B12?Milk and milk products are good sources of vitamin B12. Many ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B12. Fish and red meat are excellent sources of vitamin B12. Poultry and eggs also contain vitamin B12.
What foods are good for B12 anemia?To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:. Beef, liver, and chicken.. Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.. Fortified breakfast cereal.. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.. Which dietary sources would a patient be directed to in order to increase vitamin B12 intake?Vitamin B12: dietary sources, fortification, and supplements
Vitamin B12 is present in animal products such as meat, poultry, fish (including shell fish), and to a lesser extent milk, cheese and eggs, and it is not present in plant products.
Which of the following foods is a good source of vitamin B12 quizlet?Vitamin B12 is found only in foods of animal origin. Milk and milk products as well as meats, fish, and poultry are sources of vitamin B12 since they come from a cow.
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