What is Vitamin Deficiency Anemia?
Vitamin deficiency anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower than normal amounts of certain vitamins.
Vitamins linked to vitamin deficiency anemia include folate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin C.
Not all anemias are caused by a vitamin deficiency. Other causes include iron deficiency and certain blood diseases.
Vitamin deficiency anemia can usually be corrected with vitamin supplements and changes to your diet.
Although initial treatment of the disease usually involves injections of B12 to rapidly replace body stores, a number of studies have shown long-term vitamin replacement treatment may be maintained with high-dose oral B12 supplements, since sufficient B12 is absorbed from these by a normal intestine, even without any intrinsic factor.
Causes of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:
Causes of vitamin deficiency anemia may include:
- Folate deficiency anemia.
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia (pernicious anemia).Vitamin B-12 deficiency can result from a diet lacking in vitamin B-12, which is found mainly in meat, eggs and milk.
- Vitamin C deficiency anemia. Vitamin C deficiency can develop due to lack of vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency is also possible if something impairs one’s ability to absorb vitamin C from food.
Possible risk factors may include:
- Not taking multivitamin during pregnancy
- Intestinal problems
- Alcohol abuse
- Taking certain prescription medications, such as some anti-seizure drugs, that can block absorption of folate.
- If one is undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure.
- Drugs used in cancer treatments
- Lack of fruit and vegetables in one’s diet
- Smoking
- Mal nourishment
Symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:
The following sign and symptoms are exhibited:
- Fatigu
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Irregular heartbeats
- Weight loss
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
- Muscle weakness
- Personality changes
- Unsteady movements
- Mental confusion or forgetfulness
Diagnosis of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:
The following tests and exams are conducted in order to diagnose vitamin deficiency anemia:
- Blood test
- Antibodies test
- Methylmalonic acid test
- Schilling test
Treatment of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:
Treatment options may include:
- Folate deficiency anemia.
eating a healthy diet
taking folic acid supplements
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia (pernicious anemia).
Vitamin B-12 supplements in pill form or as a nasal spray.
- Vitamin C deficiency anemia.
By : Natural Health News
