Pernicious Anemia (cont.)
Can pernicious anemia/ vitamin B-12 deficiency be prevented?
The autoimmune process that causes pernicious anemia cannot be prevented.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency that is caused by conditions such as other
gastrointestinal diseases and gastrointestinal surgery is preventable only to
the extent that these causative conditions themselves are preventable.
Vitamin B-12 is derived from animal (for example, meat, fish, poultry, milk)
sources, but vitamin B-12 deficiency in vegetarians or vegans can be prevented by the use
of oral vitamin B-12 supplements. An oral dose of 100-200 micrograms (mcg) taken
weekly is sufficient. Pregnant and nursing women who are vegetarians or vegan should take a B-12
supplement and inform their doctors they are
vegetarians or vegan.
What is the prognosis for pernicious anemia/ vitamin B-12 deficiency?
If untreated, the neurological complications of pernicious anemia can be
permanent and end in death, but pernicious anemia is easily and effectively
treated by the administration of vitamin B-12. Life-long treatment is required.
People with pernicious anemia have a slightly increased risk of stomach
cancer when compared to the normal population. The incidence of stomach cancer
in people with pernicious anemia is 2-3 times higher than in the general
population of the same age.
Pernicious Anemia At A Glance
- Pernicious anemia is a condition caused by too little vitamin B12 in the body. It is a form of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
- Vitamin B12 helps the body make healthy red blood cells and helps keep
nerve cells healthy. It is found in animal foods, including meat, fish, eggs,
milk, and other dairy products.
- The most common cause of pernicious anemia is the loss of stomach cells
that make intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor helps the body absorb vitamin B12
in the intestine. The loss of parietal cells may be due to destruction by the
body's own immune system.
- Pernicious anemia can cause permanent damage to nerves and other organs if
it goes on for a long time without being treated. It also raises the risk for
developing stomach cancer.
- Common signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia are:
- Feeling tired and weak
- Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
- A bright red, smooth tongue
- Pernicious anemia is diagnosed using family history and medical history, a
physical exam, and diagnostic tests and procedures.
- Pernicious anemia is easy to treat with vitamin B12 pills or shots as well
as diet changes. Life-long treatment is needed.
- Complications caused by untreated pernicious anemia may be reversible with
treatment.
- Doctors don't know how to prevent pernicious anemia that is caused by the
immune system destroying stomach cells.
- Eating foods high in vitamin B12 and folic acid can help prevent vitamin
B12 deficiency caused by a poor diet.
REFERENCE: eMedicine.com, "Pernicious anemia."
Last Editorial Review: 11/20/2009
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