Vitamin deficiency anaemia occurs when the body does not have enough folate and B12 or has trouble absorbing these vitamins. Without enough folate and B12, your red blood cells will be too large and unable to carry oxygen around the body efficiently.
Common symptoms of vitamin deficiency anaemia include:
Symptoms usually appear over the course of months or even years and usually get worse as time goes on.
Folate and vitamin B-12 deficiencies are usually caused by dietary insufficiency or an absorptive disorder. Common causes of vitamin deficiency anaemia include:
Risk factors for vitamin deficiency anaemia include a family history of the disease, autoimmune disease, maintaining a vegetarian diet, being an older adult, HIV, and Crohn’s disease.
If your doctor suspects you or your child is struggling with vitamin deficiency anaemia, they can confirm the diagnosis with a blood test. They will look at any red blood cell abnormalities, the amount of folate and Vitamin B12 in the blood, and indicators that the body is attacking cells in the digestive system that produce intrinsic factor to see if you have pernicious anaemia.
Complications of vitamin deficiency anaemia include:
See a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any symptoms of vitamin deficiency anaemia.
Vitamin deficiency anaemia is treated with vitamin supplements. If you have pernicious anaemia, you may need intravenous infusions of Vitamin B12 for the rest of your life. Vitamin deficiency anaemia can be prevented by eating a healthy diet with a lot of variety.
Consider including beef, fish, chicken, eggs, dairy products, leafy greens and vegetables, fruits like bananas and melons, enriched grains, and beans to ensure you get plenty of Vitamin B12 and folate. Pregnant women and those who have recently had gastric surgery will likely need to supplement dietary vitamins with a multivitamin to accommodate their dietary needs.