Anemia B12

Learn more information about anemia b12. In this article we'll discuss anemia b12.

Causes of anemia

In the absence of certain vitamins in the diet, anemia can develop. If the body cannot properly absorb and process nutrients and vitamins , anemia with vitamin deficiency occurs. In these cases, the body does not have enough vitamins needed to produce an adequate number of healthy red blood cells. The role of erythrocytes in the body is huge , as they carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Disruption of this function leads to a lack of oxygen in various tissues and organs .    

Causes of vitamin deficiency anemia also called megaloblastic anemia, include:

• Anemia due to folic acid deficiency

Folate , also known as vitamin B9, is involved in the formation of red blood cells . It is needed for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function. Folate is found mainly in fruits and leafy green vegetables. A diet that is devoid of these foods can lead to deficiencies. Another reason may be the inability to absorb folate from food. 

Most nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. People with small bowel diseases such as celiac disease or those who have had part of their small intestine surgically removed may have difficulty absorbing folate or its synthetic form, folic acid. Alcohol reduces the absorption of folate, so excessive use can also lead to deficiency. Some medications, including anticonvulsants, may also interfere with the absorption of this vitamin.

Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding have an increased need for folate . Low levels of the vitamin during pregnancy are associated with birth defects such as spina bifida. Therefore, during this period, its intake should be increased to avoid the development of a deficit. Another condition associated with the development of folate deficiency is renal failure and hemodialysis. Some of the drugs used to treat cancer can also disrupt folate metabolism and lead to folate deficiency.  

• Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin B12 can result from a diet devoid of vitamin, which is found primarily in meat, eggs and milk. Anemia can also occur when the small intestine is unable to absorb B12 . This may be due to surgery on the stomach or small intestine, abnormal bacterial growth or an intestinal disease such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also be caused by tapeworm ingested by contaminated fish, as it absorbs nutrients from the body and leads to deficiencies. However, the most common cause of B12 deficiency anemia is due to the lack of a substance called intrinsic factor .     

Internal factor is a protein secreted by the stomach that binds to vitamin B12 and thus leads it to the small intestine, where it can be absorbed by the blood. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed and is excreted from the body as waste. The lack of intrinsic factor may be due to an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce it. Vegans and vegans are also at risk for this type of anemia . 

Anemia caused by a lack of intrinsic factor is called pernicious anemia . 

• Anemia due to vitamin C deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency  can develop with insufficient intake of the vitamin with food. Another reason is the impaired ability of the body to absorb vitamin C. This is most often due to long-term smoking. Some chronic diseases, such as cancer or chronic kidney disease, increase the risk of developing anemia as they affect the absorption of vitamin C.

 

Risk factors

A number of factors can affect the body's supply of vitamins. In general, the risk of vitamin deficiency increases with:

• A diet containing little or no natural food sources of vitamins such as meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians who do not consume dairy products and vegans who do not eat any food of animal origin may fall into this category;
• Pregnancy with insufficient intake of vitamins or multivitamins. Folic acid supplements are especially important during pregnancy;
• Intestinal problems or other conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamins. These include the increased growth of bacteria in the stomach and bowel surgery, which can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12;
• Alcohol abuse. Alcohol interferes with the absorption of folate and vitamin C, as well as a number of other vitamins;
• Taking certain medications that can block the absorption of vitamins. Anticonvulsants can block folate absorption. Antacids may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12;

Complications

Vitamin deficiency increases the risk of many health problems . One of the main complications is related to pregnancy. Pregnant women with folic acid deficiency have a higher risk of complications, including premature birth. A developing fetus that does not get enough folate from the mother can develop birth defects in the brain and spinal cord.

Another complication caused by vitamin deficiency is disorders of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 is important not only for the production of healthy erythrocytes, but also for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological complications such as persistent tingling in the arms and legs or balance problems . Confusion and decreased memory can also be observed, as the vitamin is also needed for normal brain function. Without treatment, neurological complications can become permanent. 

Another specific complication is observed in vitamin C deficiency - scurvy . Symptoms of this rare but serious condition include bleeding under the skin and around the gums. 

Prevention and prophylaxis

Several lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of developing vitamin deficiencies . In the first place is a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods.

Foods rich in folate include:

• dark green leafy vegetables;
• nuts;
• cereals such as bread, cereals, rice;
• fruits and fruit juices.

Foods rich in vitamin B12 include:

• eggs;
• cereals;
• milk, cheese and yoghurt;
• meat and midi.

Foods rich in vitamin C include:

• broccoli;
• citrus fruits and juices;
• berries;
• peppers and tomatoes.

If it is not possible to get the necessary vitamins from food, then they can be taken through supplements and multivitamins. Quitting or reducing smoking also has a beneficial effect, as it interferes with the absorption of nutrients, including vitamin C. Alcohol can also contribute to vitamin deficiency anemia, so it should be consumed in moderation. For healthy adults these are:

• two drinks a day for men under the age of 65;
• one drink per day for men over 65;
• one drink a day for women of all ages.

One drink is equal to 355 milliliters of beer, 148 milliliters of wine or 44 milliliters of hard alcohol.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of anemia caused by vitamin deficiency is made by blood tests, which check:

• The number and characteristics of erythrocytes . People with anemia have fewer red blood cells than normal. In anemia with vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency, the erythrocytes are larger but underdeveloped. In advanced deficits, white blood cell and platelet counts may also be reduced;
• The amount of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin C in the blood . Folate and vitamin B12 levels are measured simultaneously because their deficiencies can cause similar signs and symptoms.

In the case of vitamin B12 deficiency deficiencies, additional tests may be performed to aid in a more accurate diagnosis. They include:

• Intrinsic factor antibody test. Their presence suggests the presence of pernicious anemia;
• Methylmalonic acid test. The level of this substance is higher in people with vitamin B12 deficiency;
• Schilling test. In this test, a small amount of radioactive vitamin B12 is ingested first. A blood sample is then taken to check that the body has absorbed the vitamin. A combination of radioactive vitamin B12 and intrinsic factor is then ingested. If radioactive B12 is absorbed only when taken with intrinsic factor, this confirms that intrinsic factor is absent;

Treatment of anemia

Treatment includes nutritional supplements and dietary changes.

In anemia due to folate deficiency, treatment includes a healthy diet and taking folic acid supplements. In most cases, the supplements are taken orally. Once the level of folate in the body rises to normal, it is possible to stop taking the supplements.

In milder cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, treatment may include dietary changes and vitamin B12 supplements in tablet form. Your doctor may suggest injections of vitamin B12, especially if your vitamin B-12 deficiency is severe. In these cases, the exact amount of vitamin needed is determined by the doctor, but often patients need injections only once a month.

Vitamin C deficiency anemia is treated with vitamin C tablets and increased intake of foods and beverages containing vitamin C.