There are several forms of anemia stemming from vitamin deficiency. Anemia is a blanket term that describes a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Megaloblastic anemia causes red blood cells to appear larger than normal. These large cells are called megaloblasts in the bone marrow, which is why it is also known as megaloblastic anemia. This type of anemia has many causes, which include vitamin B-9 and B-12 deficiency.
Vitamin B-9 Deficiency
Vitamin B-9, known as folate, or folic acid, which is the synthetic form of folate, is necessary for red blood cell formation and growth. Folic acid works to prevent spinal defects during pregnancy. According to Harvard Health Publications, folic acid also works to lower the risk of developing heart disease. Malnutrition, malabsorption, medication interactions and eating overcooked foods contribute to folate deficiency. Folate-deficiency anemia is a decrease in red blood cells due to a lack of folate. In this type of anemia, the red cells are abnormally large, which is why it is also known as megaloblastic anemia.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
The body needs vitamin B-12 to produce healthy red blood cells; if it doesn't have an adequate amount of vitamin B-12, anemia develops. Vitamin B-12 deficiency leads to pernicious and megaloblastic anemia. Causes of vitamin B-12 deficiency are eating a vegetarian diet, poor diet in infancy, malnutrition during pregnancy and malabsorption. Vitamin B-12 causes symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, pale skin and shortness of breath.
Treatment
Before you can treat megaloblastic anemia, you need to know the cause. If vitamin B-12 deficiency is the cause, your physician may prescribe B-complex supplements or B-12 injections. You many need to take these injections for life, according to Medline Plus. Changes to your diet to include more folate-rich foods and/or folic acid supplements can treat megaloblastic anemia resulting from a folate deficiency.
Considerations
Consume a diet that contains plenty of B-12 and B-9 sources such as broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, legumes, chickpeas, fortified cereal and dairy products. If you are susceptible to deficiencies in these B vitamins, your physician may suggest that you take a complete multivitamin or a B-complex supplement. If you have any symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, pale skin or shortness of breath, contact your physician immediately.
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