Question

Compare and contrast the major characteristics of pernicious anemia and dietary lack of vitamin B12.

Answer 1

Prenicious anemia is a autoimmune disorder that occurs due to lack of Vitamin B12 in the body characterized by lack of intrinsic factor.

Dietary lack of vitamin B12 occurs when a person takes less than the required amount of vitamin B12 supplies in the diet and finally leads to many disorders.

VITAMiN B12: It is a type of water soluble vitamin which is naturally found in some of the foods.It is required for proper red blood cell formation,neurological function and DNA synthesis

The average recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 for an adult is 2.4mcg/day,in pregnant women is 2.6 mcg/day and 2.8mcg/day in breast feeding mother.

The main sources of vitamin B12 is found in animal foods like egg,fish,meat,poultry and dairy products.

In contrast,

Pernicious anaemia may lead to symptoms like fatigue,shortness of breath,irregular heart beat,weight loss,sore mouth, pale or yellowing skin

Dietary lack of vitaminn B12 leads to many health problems like cardiovascular problems,gastrointestinal problem( like diarehoea,constipatio,loss of bowel and bladder control) and neurological problems(like absent reflexes,

The common symptoms that occurs due to pernicious anaemia are depression,confusion,memory problems and fatigue.Even it can lead to higher risks like psychosis,mania and dementia.

The treatment for pernicious anaemia includes administration of vitamin B12 injection based on the level of deficiency which are given in doses .

In cases of dietary lack of vitamin B12 proper diet regimen is followed where it should follow the required amount of recommended daily allowances.