If you constantly feel fatigue, a breakdown, and you have a wound in your mouth - you may be sick with anemia, or anemia. This is an autoimmune disease that affects the absorption of vitamin B12, necessary for the formation of new blood cells. You can get enough B12 in your diet, but your body will not be able to digest it. So, anemia or a vitamin B12 deficiency - what is the danger? And what is the reason? Let's see ...?
For your reference: what is blood?
Blood consists of a fluid called a plasma, which contains:
- Red blood cells - which carry oxygen throughout the body.
- White blood cells - which are part of the immune system and protect the body from infections.
- Platelets - which help clotting the blood.
- Proteins and other chemicals that have different functions.
The constant supply of new red blood cells is necessary to replace old cells that die. Erythrocytes contain a substance called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin binds to oxygen and transfers oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.
Constant red blood cell renewal and normal hemoglobin levels are necessary for the health of the brain and bone marrow. For this, the body must receive from the food sufficient nutrients, such as iron and vitamins, including vitamin B12.
What is anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency?
Anemia means:
- you have fewer red blood cells than usual, or
- you have less than you need hemoglobin in every red blood cell.
There are various causes of anemia (such as lack of iron and certain vitamins). Vitamin B12 is essential for life. It is necessary for the renewal of cells in the body, such as red blood cells, which die every day. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, eggs and milk - but not in fruits or vegetables. A normal balanced diet contains a sufficient amount of vitamin B12. The lack of vitamin B12 leads to anemia, and sometimes to other problems.
What are the symptoms of anemia or vitamin B 12 deficiency ?
Problems in connection with anemia are caused by a reduction in the amount of oxygen in the body.
- Common symptoms include: fatigue, apathy, sensation of weakness, trouble breathing.
- Less common symptoms include: headache, palpitations, changes in taste and ringing in the ears.
- You can look pale.
Other symptoms.
If you lack vitamin B12, other parts of the body may be affected. Other symptoms that may occur include mouth pain and tenderness of the tongue. If this is not treated, the nerves may develop. For example: confusion, numbness and instability. But this is a rarity. Usually anemia is diagnosed earlier, and it is successfully treated before the appearance of problems from the nervous system.
Causes of anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency.
Chronic anemia.
This is an autoimmune disease. The immune system usually produces antibodies to protect against bacteria and viruses. If you have autoimmune diseases, the immune system does not produce an antibody. What is the danger? The fact that antibodies are formed against your own internal organs or against the cells of your body. Therefore, vitamin B12 can not be absorbed. Chronic anemia usually develops in the age of over 50 years. Women are susceptible to it more often than men, and it is often hereditary. The disease develops most often in people who have other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease and vitiligo. Antibodies that cause anemia can be detected with a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Problems with the stomach or intestines.
Previous operations on the stomach or certain parts of the intestine may entail the fact that absorption of vitamin B12 may not be possible. Some bowel diseases can affect the absorption of vitamin B12. For example, Crohn's disease.
Dietary reasons.
The lack of vitamin B12 is atypical if you eat ordinary food. But with diets everything is different. Strict vegetarians who do not consume animals or dairy products can contribute to the non-digestibility of vitamin B12.
Treatment of anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency.
You will need an injection of vitamin B12. About six injections once every 2-4 days. This quickly replenishes the vitamin B12 content in the body. Vitamin B12 accumulates in the liver. Once the supplies of vitamin B12 are replenished, it can satisfy the body's needs for several months. Injections are needed only once every three months. Injections are necessary for life. You will not have any side effects from the treatment. This is what you need.
Effects.
Usually anemia recedes after the beginning of treatment. You may be asked to take a blood test every year or so. A blood test can be done to see that your thyroid gland is working fine. Thyroid disease is more common in people with chronic anemia.
If you have anemia, you have an increased chance of developing stomach cancer. This means that approximately 4 out of 100 people with chronic anemia develop stomach cancer (even when treating anemia). If you experience any stomach problems, such as a regular indigestion or pain - seek medical advice immediately.