The term anemia is most commonly associated with iron intake. When your iron supply is low, hemoglobin levels diminish because iron is the central component of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood and delivering it throughout the body. Iron-deficiency anemia results in pale, small platelets that function poorly. Symptoms you may experience include weakness, lightheadedness upon standing, difficulty concentrating and shortness of breath.
Another cause, a serious one, of anemia is a vitamin B-12 deficiency. When your body does not have an adequate amount of this important vitamin, it produces large blood cells filled with hemoglobin that are no longer useful. This is called megaloblastic or pernicious anemia.
Function of B-12
Red blood cells are manufactured in the bone marrow. For platelets to divide, vitamin B-12 is essential. Insufficient B-12 decreases the proliferation of platelets. Because red blood cells serve such a fundamental role in your body, the consequences of prolonged pernicious anemia can be deadly, just as the term implies.
Low platelet counts of these oversized cells cause an impairment in circulation. This leads to peripheral nerve damage and neurological problems like dementia and memory loss. In an effort to compensate and deliver oxygen throughout the body, the workload of your heart increases. Over time, this can enlarge your heart and result in irregular heartbeats.
The Folate Connection
Folate is another B vitamin, also known as vitamin B-9, with attributes similar to those of B-12. A deficiency in folate also results in low numbers of large platelets. By testing your serum folate and B-12 levels, a doctor will be able to pinpoint the true cause of megaloblastic anemia symptoms. Treatment may include supplementing with both folate and B-12 to ensure a resolution. Folate and B-12 also work together to decrease homocysteine in your body, reducing inflammation.
Causes of B-12 Deficiency
B-12 is absorbed in the small intestine by a substance called intrinsic factor, which is produced in the stomach. If you have undergone surgery that removed parts of the stomach or small intestine, you are at high risk for pernicious anemia. Antibiotics and certain seizure medications may decrease your absorption of B-12. Autoimmune disorders have also been linked to pernicious anemia.
B-12 Sources
B-12 is mainly found in meat, fish, dairy and eggs. A strict vegetarian tends to consume much less B-12 in her diet and should have her plasma B-12 levels checked periodically. Breakfast cereals and some vegetarian soy-based foods are fortified with B-12. Most multivitamins contain B-12 as well. If you are deficient, your doctor will likely recommend a B-12 supplement. If the deficiency is a result of malabsorption, sublingual B-12 or intramuscular injections could be recommended.
