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- DictionaryPer·ni·cious a·ne·mi·a/pərˈniSHəs əˈnēmēə/
noun
- 1. a deficiency in the production of red blood cells through a lack of vitamin B12.
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noun
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Vitamin deficiency anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower than usual amounts of vitamin B-12 and folate.
This can happen if you don't eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins.
Without these nutrients, the body produces red blood cells that are too large and don't work properly. This reduces their ability to carry oxygen....
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Vitamin deficiency anemia usually develops slowly over several months to years. Signs and symptoms may be subtle at first but usually increase as the deficiency worsens. These may include:
Vitamin deficiency anemia can occur if you don't eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins. Vitamin B-12 deficiencies Low levels of vitamin B-12 can be caused by:
Absorption problems may be caused by:
Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding have an increased demand for folate, as do people undergoing dialysis for kidney disease....
Vitamin deficiency anemia is treated with doses of whichever vitamin is lacking. For pernicious anemia, vitamin B-12 is usually delivered via injection and may need to be taken regularly for the rest of your life.
Vitamin B-12 is available as:
Medications to boost folate levels usually come as pills to be swallowed, but some versions can be delivered through a narrow, flexible tube into a vein (intravenously).
You can prevent some forms of vitamin deficiency anemia by choosing a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods.
Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include:
Foods rich in folate include:
Most adults need these daily dietary amounts of the following vitamins:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women may require more of each vitamin.
Most people get enough vitamins from the foods they eat. Bu...
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic
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