Microcytic anemia is a condition in which the body produces low numbers of small red blood cells with a mean corpuscular volume of less than 80 femotoliters. Normal red blood cells are medium size and have a mean corpuscular volume of 80 to 100 femtoliters, according to MedlinePlus. Vitamin B-12 is a B-complex vitamin that is necessary for red blood cell production. B-12 deficiency leads to macrocytic anemia, which is also known as B-12 deficiency anemia.
Identification
Vitamin B-12 deficiency causes macrocytic anemia instead of microcytic anemia. Red blood cells in patients with macrocytic anemia have a mean corpuscular volume of greater than 100 femtoliters. Microcytic anemia is caused by iron deficiency, lead poisoning, thalassemia trait, inflammation or sideroblastic anemia.In microcytic anemia, the smaller red blood cells are also paler than usual because they carry less hemoglobin.
Symptoms and Treatment of Microcytic Anemia
Patients with microcytic anemia experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, insomnia, problems concentrating, paleness of the skin, coldness in hands and feet, constipation, rapid heartbeat and abnormal heart rhythm, according to Louisiana State University. Microcytic anemia is treated using iron supplements and iron-rich foods. Children with lead poisoning should be treated so as to prevent microcytic anemia.
Symptoms and Treatment of B-12 Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin B-12 deficiency leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, red tongue, bleeding gums, pale skin, coldness in hands and feet, confusion, tingling and numbness in hands and feet, muscle weakness, problems walking, loss of balance, depression and dementia, according to MedlinePlus. Patients with B-12 deficiency should seek immediate so as to avoid complications such as permanent nerve damage, psychosis and severe dementia.
Complications of Anemia
Microcytic anemia and B-12 deficiency anemia can lead to complications such as abnormal heartbeats known as arrhythmia, organ damage due to lack of oxygen and severe fatigue that prevents patients from completing everyday tasks and death, notes MedlinePlus. Patients should consume a healthy balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods and B vitamins. B vitamins such as B-12 and folic acid help the body produce healthy red blood cells.
