Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
This type of anemia occur due to deficiency of some vitamins in the body that causes reduce number of normal RBCs in the body. Folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin C are the vitamins linked to this kind of anemia.
Symptoms
All these features occur after chronic vitamin deficiency. Signs and symptoms are;
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Problematic breathing
- Skin become dry and pale
- Unintended weight loss
- Behavioural changes
- Dizziness
- Confusion and forgetfulness
- Tingling sensation on hands and feet
- Heart beats become irregular
Causes
This disease is caused by the deficiency of vitamin in the diet or inability of the body to absorb these vitamins properly.
- Folate which is also known as Vitamin B9, deficiency result when you have conditions like celiac disease, after gastric bypass surgery, Increase alcohol consumption or when you are on an anti-seizures medication.
- Vitamin B 12 deficiency results in condition like bacterial growth in the stomach, gastric bypass surgery, Crohn’s disease or tape worm infestation in stomach.
- Vitamin C deficiency result from the condition like long going kidney disease, cancer or if heavy smoking is done.
Complications
Following complications can result from this disease;
- Premature birth, congenital defects, still births and other pregnancy complications.
- Vitamin B 12 deficiency can result in mental health problems and other Neurological disorders.
- Vitamin C deficiency result in bleeding gums condition known as scurvy.
Diagnosis
- Blood test.
- Detailed history and general physical examination.
- Some additional investigations for Vitamin B12 deficiency is Methylmalonic acid test and antibodies test.
Treatment
Treatment options include;
- To treat folate deficiency induce anemia take folic acid supplements.
- To treat Vitamin B 12 induce anemia Vitamin B 12 supplements are taken either as pills or as nasal spray.
- To treat Vitamin C deficiency induce anemia Vitamin C supplements are taken