Myasthenia gravis is a condition caused by problems with the immune system. Problems with the immune system can also cause trouble with vitamin B12 absorption, resulting in vitamin B12 anemia, which will require vitamin B12 supplementation. People with myasthenia gravis are more likely to develop pernicious anemia, but there is not a direct link between myasthenia gravis and pernicious anemia.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition, which means that it is caused by the immune system attacking your healthy cells. Myasthenia gravis affects your skeletal or "voluntary" muscles and causes weakness. With this disorder, your immune system produces proteins, known as antibodies, that keep your muscle cells from receiving signals from your nervous system. One of the earliest symptoms of myasthenia gravis is drooping eyelids.
Pernicious Anemia
People that have autoimmune disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, are more likely to have other autoimmune conditions. Pernicious anemia is a type of autoimmune condition that affects your body's ability to absorb vitamin B12. In order for your body to absorb dietary vitamin B12, your stomach needs to produce a compound known as intrinsic factor. Pernicious anemia is caused by the immune system attacking the cells that produce intrinsic factor, causing a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
If you do not absorb vitamin B12 well, you will develop signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells, so a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause low red blood cell levels, also known as anemia. You also need vitamin B12 to make a substance known as myelin, which protects your nerves. Pernicious anemia can also cause damage to your peripheral nerves, causing pain, tingling or numbness in parts of your body.
Considerations
Having myasthenia gravis does not mean that you have -- or will have -- pernicious anemia. However, people with myasthenia gravis are more likely to have other autoimmune disorders, predisposing them to pernicious anemia. In addition, if you have pernicious anemia, oral vitamin B12 supplements may not be adequate, due to impaired absorption. Instead you may need vitamin B12 injections or very high-dosage oral vitamin B12 tablets. Talk to your doctor before taking any sort of vitamin supplement.
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