Pernicious Anemia (cont.)
How Can Pernicious Anemia Be Prevented?
Doctors do not know how to prevent pernicious anemia that occurs from the
immune system destroying parietal cells in the stomach. The most common cause of
pernicious anemia is the loss of stomach cells that make intrinsic factor.
Pernicious anemia due to a diet low in vitamin B12 is not common. But some
people who are strict vegetarians or who have a poor diet for a long time can
develop this condition. Eating foods high in vitamin B12 and folic acid can help
prevent low vitamin B12 levels. Some of these foods are:
- Eggs, meat, poultry, or shellfish
- Milk, orange juice, or oranges
- Fortified cereals, wheat germ, rice, or barley
- Romaine lettuce, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables
- Sprouts, broccoli, asparagus
- Peas, peanuts, beans, lentils, soy beans, and chickpeas
Vitamin B12 also can be found in multivitamins and in B-complex vitamin
supplements.
Doctors may recommend supplements for people at risk of developing vitamin
B12 deficiency, such as infants and children of strict vegetarians.
Living With Pernicious Anemia
People treated for pernicious anemia can recover, feel well, and live normal
lives, although they must be sure to receive enough vitamin B12 throughout their
lives. If a person has developed health problems caused by pernicious anemia,
such as nerve damage, treatment may reverse the damage.
Ongoing Health Care Needs
People with pernicious anemia usually need to see a doctor regularly for
checkups and ongoing treatment with vitamin B12. If you are being treated for
pernicious anemia, you will need to take vitamin B12 supplements as directed by
your doctor to prevent the return of symptoms.
Visits to the doctor will focus on monitoring for signs of vitamin B12
deficiency in your body, making treatment changes as needed, and checking for
the possible development of stomach cancer.
Doctor visits will also focus on the foods that you eat and whether you are
eating enough foods that contain vitamin B12. A pediatrician may prescribe
vitamin B12 supplements for infants and children of strict vegetarians.
Continued treatment may be needed for any ongoing problems due to nerve
damage.
Family Members
If you have been diagnosed with pernicious anemia, you should tell your
family members about the disease-especially your children and your siblings.
Because pernicious anemia runs in families, they may be more likely to develop
the disease.
Next: Pernicious Anemia At A Glance »
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