Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12, not a lack of vitamin C. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the stomach with the help of a stomach protein known as intrinsic factor. Lack of intrinsic factor causes less absorption of B12 from food, which leads to pernicious anemia. Vitamin C and vitamin B12 are both water-soluble B-complex vitamins that play important roles in the body.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, milk and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is also added to foods such as fortified breakfast cereals. B12 is necessary for red blood cell production, metabolism, DNA synthesis and maintaining healthy nerve cells. Lack of B12 leads to pernicious anemia, fatigue and psychiatric and neurological damages, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Symptoms and Treatment of Pernicious Anemia
Patients with pernicious anemia experience symptoms such as pale skin, fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, lightheartedness, fainting, chest pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, confusion, problems concentrating, swollen red tongue, mood changes, loss of balance and numbness and tingling in the extremities, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pernicious anemia is treated with lifelong B12 injections.There is a form of B12 supplement that may be administered intranasally to patients who cannot tolerate injections. Patients with pernicious anemia should seek treatment early to avoid permanent neurological damage.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is required for normal growth and repair of tissues in the body. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that protects the body from damaging substances and also promotes the healing of wounds. Vitamin C also helps in the formation of collagen, which is an important protein in skin, scar tissues, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons, according to MedlinePlus. Natural sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits such as oranges and pineapples, papaya, mangoes, strawberries, watermelon, broccoli, sweet potatoes and green peppers.
Vitamin C Deficiency Symptoms and Treatments
Deficiencies in vitamin C leads to symptoms such as bleeding and inflamed gums, slowed wound healing, nosebleeds, anemia, dry and splitting hair, scaly skin, weakened tooth enamel, decreased ability to fight infections and swollen and painful joints, according to MedlinePlus. A severe form of vitamin C deficiency leads to a disease known as scurvy. Treatments of vitamin C deficiencies include supplementation with vitamin C and consumption of foods rich in the vitamin. The recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin C is 90 milligrams for men and 75 mg for women.
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