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What is B12 deficiency anemia and its treatment

Reasons

Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the lower portion of the small intestine – the ileum. But in order for absorption and enters the blood vitamin occurred, you need a special enzyme – castle's intrinsic factor which is produced in the stomach. Without this protein B12 excreted in the feces. When B12 deficiency anemia this enzyme is not produced, the vitamin can not be absorbed even when you have it the intake. The liver has a reserve of B12, which can last for up to 5 years, and anemia starts to develop only after that time. Deficiency of intrinsic factor is the main cause of pernicious anemia, although there are others.

Causes of B12 deficiency anemia due to the following factors:

  1. Vitamin B12 in a sufficient amount comes from food. The main sources of vitamin – products of animal origin, therefore, the disease can occur in vegetarians.
  2. This vitamin is poorly absorbed by the body in diseases of the stomach, intestines, and after surgery, reduces the intake surface of the digestive system.
  3. Taking certain medications that reduce gastric secretion, can lead to the development of B12 deficiency anemia.
  4. Parasitic and chronic infections – the possible causes of the disease.
  5. Autoimmune gastritis, in which antibodies to gastric cells that synthesize intrinsic factor castle, the enzyme that activates vitamin B12 from food.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the causes of anemia, its severity and the presence of disorders of the nervous system.

  1. In organic pathologies of the intestine prescribe enzymes and fastening products.
  2. Helminthiasis anthelmintic administered funds.
  3. To normalize the intestinal flora needed enzymes and nutrition correction: selected diet, eliminating dyspeptic symptoms, with which you experience pain, discomfort, feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.
  4. In the menu you want to include more protein foods and vitamins, thus completely eliminate the intake of alcoholic beverages.
  5. Shown parenteral administration of vitamin B12 and corticosteroid therapy.