Anemia

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

(Synonyms: megaloblastic anemia, pernicious anemia)

The human body needs several different vitamins to produce healthy red blood cells. When a deficiency of certain vitamins exists in the body, a person can develop vitamin deficiency anemia. Deficiencies in these vitamins may be caused by poor diet or by absorption problems. Crohn's disease, celiac disease and bariatric surgery can cause vitamin deficiency by impairing the body's ability to absorb vitamins. Vitamins commonly associated with vitamin deficiency anemia include folate (folic acid), vitamin B-12 and (rarely) vitamin C. Vegetarians who eat no animal products generally get plenty of folate (present in green leafy vegetables) but sometimes consume little vitamin B-12.

Treatment

Treatment for vitamin deficiency anemia includes vitamin supplements and dietary changes. Experienced physicians at Mayo Clinic carefully monitor each patient's progress.

Read more about vitamin deficiency anemia at www.MayoClinic.com
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