B12 and folate deficiency anemia can have a variety of causes, from diet to lifestyle. Let's find out the symptoms and how to prevent it
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousB12 and folate deficiency anemia can have a variety of causes, from diet to lifestyle. Let's find out the symptoms and how to prevent it
THEanemia it is a blood disease that occurs when hemoglobin is below the values considered normal. Hemoglobin is important because it is the protein contained within red blood cells, which has the task of transporting oxygen from the blood to all tissues. According to theWorld Health Organization anemia is diagnosed when hemoglobin values are less than 12 grams per deciliter (g / dL) in women and 13,4 g / dL in men. (Read also: Anemia: New and unexpected side effect of iron deficiency discovered on your heart)
Le causes can be various, among the most common we find:
- iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia)
- deficiency of B vitamins (megaloblastic and pernicious anemia)
- hereditary diseases such as thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia)
- autoimmune diseases (haemolytic anemia)
- bone marrow dysfunction
- pregnancy
- chronic and infectious diseases
- use of certain medications
Vitamin deficiency anemia occurs when insufficient amounts of B12 (cobalamin) and folate (vitamin B9) are available in the body; as a result, larger than normal red blood cells are produced which, however, do not function properly and cause anemia.
Index
Vitamin deficiency anemia: what it is
THEVitamin deficiency anemia is a lack of red blood cells, caused when you have lower-than-normal amounts of certain vitamins. Vitamins linked to vitamin deficiency anemia include folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12.
This condition can occur due to an unbalanced diet, or it can occur if the body has difficulty absorbing or processing these vitamins. It is important for your doctor to diagnose and treat your anemia, as this vitamin deficiency can usually be corrected with supplements and diet modifications.
Symptoms
La Vitamin deficiency usually develops slowly, over several months or years. Signs and symptoms may be subtle at first, but increase as the deficiency worsens.
Vitamin B12 and B9 deficiency anemia has several symptoms as:
- fatigue
- asthenia (tiredness even at rest)
- breathing difficulties even in the absence of physical exercise
- frequent headaches
- pallor
- muscle weakness
- tachycardia
- balance disorders
- difficulty in concentration and memory
- lack of appetite
- weight loss
I symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia are also:
- vision disturbances
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- jaundice
- inflammation and swelling of the tongue
I symptoms related to folate deficiency they may also include:
- reduced sense of taste
- Diarrhea
- muscle weakness
- trough
Causes
This type of anemia develops when the body has a deficiency in the vitamins needed to make red blood cells. The causes vitamin deficiency anemia can be different; let's see them in detail.
Folate deficiency anemia
Folate, also known as vitamin B-9, is a nutrient found primarily in green leafy fruits and vegetables. A diet low in these foods can lead to a deficiency.
La shortage it can also occur if the body is unable to absorb folate from food. You may have difficulty absorbing folate orfolic acid, the synthetic form of folate that is added to foods and supplements, if:
- you have a small bowel disease, such as celiac disease
- you have had a large portion of the small intestine surgically removed
- drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- you take certain medications, such as some antiepileptic drugs
Le pregnant women and breastfeeding women have a higher demand for folate, as well as people undergoing dialysis for kidney disease. Failure to meet this increased demand can lead to a shortage.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia
La vitamin B-12 deficiency it can result from a deficient and unbalanced diet. However, the most common cause is the lack of a substance called intrinsic factor, which can be caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce this substance. This type of anemia is called pernicious anemia.
Intrinsic factor is a protein secreted by the stomach that attaches to vitamin B-12 and moves it through the small intestine to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B-12 cannot be absorbed. People with endocrine-related autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, may have a higher risk of developing pernicious anemia.
B-12 deficiency anemia can also occur if the small intestine is unable to absorb it for reasons other than a lack of intrinsic factor. This can happen if:
- you have had stomach or small bowel surgery
- you have abnormal bacterial growth in your small intestine
- you have a bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or the celiac disease, which interferes with the absorption of the vitamin
- you ingested a tapeworm by eating contaminated fish
Risk factors
A number of factors can affect the body's vitamin stores. In general, the risk of vitamin deficiency increases he:
- yours diet contains little or no natural vitamin food sources. Vegetarians or vegans, who do not eat foods of animal origin, may need supplements; overcooking of food can also cause vitamin deficiency.
- you are pregnant and not taking a multivitamin: gli Folic acid supplements are especially important during pregnancy.
- you have intestinal problems or other medical conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamins. Abnormal bacterial growth in the stomach or surgery on the intestine or stomach can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B-12.
- alcohol abuse: alcohol interferes with the absorption of folate, as well as other vitamins.
- take some medications which can block the absorption of vitamins. Antiepileptic drugs can block the absorption of folate. Antacids and some medications used to treat type 2 diabetes can interfere with the absorption of B-12.
How to prevent megaloblastic anemia
Choose a healthy diet
It's possible prevent some forms of vitamin deficiency anemiaby choosing a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods.
- foods rich in folate I'm:
- dark green leafy vegetables
- dried fruit
- enriched grain products, such as bread, cereals, pasta and rice
- fruit
- foods rich in vitamin B-12 I'm:
- fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals
- soy products
- roots and tubers
Not smoking
Il smoking interferes with the absorption of nutrients, so it can increase the risk of a vitamin deficiency. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you've tried quitting on your own and haven't been successful, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit.
Limit or avoid alcohol
THEalcohol can contribute to vitamin deficiency anemia. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, moderate consumption is generally considered to be:
- two drinks a day for men aged 65 and under
- one drink a day for men over 65 years of age
- one drink a day for women of any age.
Hence, vitamin deficiency anemia can be cured through one early diagnosis and acting on the possible causes; for this reason, it is essential to consult your doctor if you experience symptoms attributable to this condition.
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Photos: MayoClinic
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