megaloblastic anemia

Anemia is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin concentration or ability to carry oxygen in the blood. In megaloblastic anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells, and an increase in the size of them due to a deficiency of substances involved in erythropoiesis or red blood cell formation, as is vitamin B12.

However, the lack of this vitamin is secondary to lack a protein in the gastric mucosa (intrinsic factor) this basic self absorption. In these cases the intrinsic factor is produced and secreted in minute amounts, insufficient to ensure normal intestinal absorption of the vitamin, or does not occur at all. Rarely is a deficiency of vitamin B12 from dietary origin exclusively.

Among the diseases that can affect the presence of intrinsic factor are digestive processes such as achlorhydria, gastrectomy (partial or total removal of the stomach), chronic alcoholism, chronic diseases of the pancreas or those involving the ileum, part of the small intestine where absorb this vitamin.

During pregnancy there is an increase in blood volume and therefore the number of erythrocytes, so that the needs of this vitamin increases. Its deficiency is also associated with people with low levels fotatos, vitamin which also participates in the formation and maturation of red blood cells.

The symptoms are insidious and develop after 2 or 3 years. Because anemia may be weakness, fatigue, hair loss, irritability and memory disorders.

Possibility Related Posts: