Not getting enough iron in your diet is one of the main causes of anemia. However, this isn't the only cause of anemia, so taking iron supplements won't necessarily cure you if you have anemia. You need to see a doctor to determine whether you have iron-deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, folic-acid deficiency anemia or pernicious anemia.
Causes
Pernicious anemia is due to either a lack of vitamin B-12 in your diet or a lack of a protein called intrinsic factor that you need to absorb vitamin B-12. Most people produce this protein in their stomachs, but some people can't produce enough. Sometimes surgery, infections or medications can also cause pernicious anemia.
Use of Supplements
You should only use iron supplements on the advice of a doctor once it has been determined that your iron levels are low. For a low-level iron deficiency, dietary changes are advisable first. In the case of pernicious anemia, you should use iron supplements only if you are deficient in iron as well as vitamin B-12, since they cannot correct pernicious anemia.
Risk Factors
Some people are more at risk for pernicious anemia than others. Strict vegetarians and people who have had stomach surgery need to take particular care to get enough vitamin B-12 and may need supplements to do so. Elderly individuals sometimes have trouble absorbing enough vitamin B-12, but getting this vitamin through fortified foods instead of animal protein sources increases their ability to absorb this vitamin. Other people at risk include those with a family history of pernicious anemia, those with autoimmune or intestinal diseases and people who are on antibiotics or antiseizure medications.
Treatment
The most common treatment for pernicious anemia is vitamin B-12 shots, although some people with only minor deficiencies may be able to take vitamin B-12 supplements instead. In many cases, these shots much be continued for the rest of your life, unless the pernicious anemia is caused by a condition that can be treated, resolving your problems with vitamin B-12 absorption.
Member Comments