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Anemia - B12 deficiencyDefinition Anemia is a drop in the number of red blood cells. This can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Vitamin B12 is essential for normal nervous system function and blood cell production. The main sources of vitamin B12 include meat, eggs, and dairy products. For vitamin B12 to be absorbed by the body, it must bind to intrinsic factor, a protein secreted by cells in the stomach. Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
The risk factors are related to the causes. Symptoms
Signs and tests A physical evaluation of the patient's neurological signs may show depressed deep tendon reflexes, decreased position sense, decreased vibration sense, or positive Babinski reflex. Other signs and tests include the following:
Treatment Treatment depends on the cause of the anemia:
Expectations (prognosis) Treatment for this form of anemia is usually effective. Complications
Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider if you have any of the symptoms of anemia. Prevention Anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12 can be prevented through a well-balanced diet. B12 injections can prevent anemia after surgeries known to cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can limit the severity of this anemia as well as the neurologic complications. Illustrations
Page Content: Macrocytic anemia ; anemia macrocytic |
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