People may be weak, short of breath, and pale.
Nerves may malfunction.
Blood tests can detect abnormal cells that indicate vitamin deficiency anemia.
The deficient vitamin is replaced.
(See also Overview of Anemia.)
Vitamin B12 deficiency and cause megaloblastic anemia. In megaloblastic anemia, the bone marrow produces red blood cells that are large and abnormal (megaloblasts).
Deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency most often develops due to a lack of these vitamins in the diet or an inability to absorb these vitamins from the digestive tract. Pernicious anemia is a type of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by an autoimmune disorder
Symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Symptoms of anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency develop slowly and are similar to symptoms caused by other types of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and paleness. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause nerves to malfunction, causing tingling, loss of sensation, and weakness. Severe vitamin B12 deficiency may cause confusion. In older adults, anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency may be mistaken for dementia because of this symptom.
Diagnosis of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Blood tests
Once blood tests show a person has anemia, tests are done to determine if a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate is the cause. Anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency is suspected when large (macrocytic) red blood cells and multilobed (hypersegmented) neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) are seen in a blood sample that is examined under a microscope. Reduction in the number of white blood cells and platelets also can occur, especially when people have had vitamin deficiency anemia for a long time.
The blood levels of vitamin B12 and folate are measured, and other tests may be done to determine the cause of the vitamin B12 deficiency.
Treatment of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Replacement of vitamin B12 or folate
The treatment of anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency consists of replacing the deficient vitamin.
Commonly, vitamin B12 is administered by injection, particularly when the deficiency is severe or caused by an inability to absorb the vitamin from the digestive tract. At first, injections are given daily or weekly for several weeks until the blood levels of vitamin B12 return to normal. Then injections are given once a month. Vitamin B12 can also be taken daily as a nose spray, a tablet placed under the tongue, or a tablet that is swallowed. People who have anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency may need to take vitamin B12 supplements for life.
