Alternative Names
Macrocytic anemia
Definition of Anemia – B12 deficiency
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Your body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells. In order to provide vitamin B12 to your cells:
Symptoms
People with mild anemia may have no symptoms, or symptoms may be very mild.
Signs and tests
A physical exam may show problems with reflexes or a positive Babinski reflex.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of B12 deficiency anemia.
Expectations (prognosis)
Treatment for this form of anemia is usually effective.
Review
Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 1/31/2010
