Macrocytic anemia, also known as vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, can be caused by digestive problems, weight-loss surgery, or a vegetarian/vegan diet. Lack of vitamin B12 leads to insufficient red blood cells, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Treatment includes supplements, injections, and dietary changes. Digestive system malfunctions can also cause the condition.
Macrocytic anemia is also known as vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. This type of anemia can have a variety of causes, from problems with the digestive system to damage from weight-loss surgery to a vegetarian or vegan diet. For many people, taking supplements can help eliminate some of the symptoms of the condition.
Oxygen is carried through the bloodstream by red blood cells, which are created with the help of vitamin B12. When there is a lack of this vitamin in the system, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells to keep it healthy and to carry enough oxygen throughout the body. In addition to supplements, vitamin B12 comes from foods such as meat, eggs, fish and dairy products. Poor or poor dietary choices are a common cause of macrocytic anemia; many vegetarian or vegan individuals do not eat foods that contain B12 and must take supplements to get the required amount of the vitamin.
When there are not enough red blood cells and not enough oxygen being carried through the body, an individual can feel constantly tired, weak, and have a general lack of motivation and energy. He or she may suffer from shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of lethargy. Pale skin and bleeding gums are physical signs of the disease, and in cases where it is left untreated, there can be permanent damage to the body.
Current cases of macrocytic anemia can cause damage to nerve tissue. When this happens, it can cause difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and other types of dementia and decreased mental abilities. It can also affect balance and cause numbness in the extremities.
Treatment for macrocytic anemia depends on the cause and the severity of the case. For some, a change in diet or adding vitamin B12 supplements to meals can help restore balance and encourage the body to make enough red blood cells. In other individuals, injections of vitamin B12 may be given. In most cases, the individual will start on regular and higher doses of B12 to keep the body functioning properly. These shots will generally become less frequent as the individual learns to control their vitamin B12 levels with diet and supplements.
Some individuals develop macrocytic anemia due to a malfunction of the digestive system. Some conditions like celiac disease affect how nutrients are absorbed in the body, and vitamin B12 can pass through the system rather than digest it. In these cases, the disease is often treated first; once under control, macrocytic anemia usually disappears as well.
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