Can pernicious anemia/ vitamin B-12 deficiency be prevented?
The autoimmune process that causes pernicious anemia cannot be prevented. Vitamin B-12 deficiency that is caused by conditions such as other gastrointestinal diseases and gastrointestinal surgery is preventable only to the extent that these causative conditions themselves are preventable. Vitamin B-12 is derived from animal (for example, meat, fish, poultry, milk) sources, but vitamin B-12 deficiency in vegetarians or vegans can be prevented by the use of oral vitamin B-12 supplements. An oral dose of 100-200 micrograms (mcg) taken weekly is sufficient. Pregnant and nursing women who are vegetarians or vegan should take a B-12 supplement and inform their doctors they are vegetarians or vegan. What is the prognosis for pernicious anemia/ vitamin B-12 deficiency? If untreated, the neurological complications of pernicious anemia can be permanent and end in death, but pernicious anemia is easily and effectively treated by the administration of vitamin B-12. Life-long treatment is required.
The autoimmune process that causes pernicious anemia cannot be prevented. Vitamin B-12 deficiency that is caused by conditions such as other gastrointestinal diseases and gastrointestinal surgery is preventable only to the extent that these causative conditions themselves are preventable. Vitamin B-12 is derived from animal (for example, meat, fish, poultry, milk) sources, but vitamin B-12 deficiency in vegetarians or vegans can be prevented by the use of oral vitamin B-12 supplements. An oral dose of 100-200 micrograms (mcg) taken weekly is sufficient. Pregnant and nursing women who are vegetarians or vegan should take a B-12 supplement and inform their doctors they are vegetarians or vegan. What is the prognosis for pernicious anemia/ vitamin B-12 deficiency? If untreated, the neurological complications of pernicious anemia can be permanent and end in death, but pernicious anemia is easily and effectively treated by the administration of vitamin B-12. Life-long treatment is required.
