Pernicious Anemia

When the body does not make enough blood cells down to a lack of the vitamin B12 this is known as pernicious anemia, which is a type of anemia. Anemia means you do not have a healthy amount of red blood cells, but pernicious anemia usually occurs in those who have lost the ability to absorb the B12 vitamin from foods.

Vitamin B12

This vitamin is found in meat, fish and dairy products and is what enables the body to create blood cells. Low levels of this vitamin are usually down to a lack of a protein in the stomach (intrinsic factor) which helps the body to absorb the vitamin. The cells that this protein is found in may have been destroyed as a result of surgery of the stomach, where B12 cannot be absorbed, leading to deficiency. However, it may also be down to a lack of B12 in the diet, or intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease.

Effects of Pernicious Anemia

The condition will leave sufferers feeling weak and tired due to the fact that there is not enough oxygen in the body. In time it may also cause heart problems due to the fact that it has to work much harder to pump oxygen around the body, as well as the fact that it adds to fatty deposits in blood vessels. Pernicious anemia can also cause problems in the nerves where sufferers may experience tingling or numbness and problems balancing or walking.

Treatment

Pernicious anemia is usually easy to treat by taking B12 pills or shots and most sufferers will have a normal life span. However, some people may not discover the disease until they have already experienced nerve damage and the condition can also increase the risk of later developing stomach cancer.