2Causes
Lack of Vitamin B12
A deficiency of vitamin B12 is the main trigger of pernicious anemia symptoms. This element plays a key part in many chemical processes in the body. These include the synthesis of DNA, brain health, and the production of red blood cells. Thus, it is not surprising that issues occur when the body does not take in sufficient vitamin B12.
In general, you may take in this vitamin from animal food sources. A special protein in the stomach called intrinsic factor can help transport and absorb the vitamin. Pernicious anemia affects the production of intrinsic factors, thus reducing the amount of vitamin B12 in the body. [3]
Small Intestinal Conditions
Some conditions affecting the small intestine may lead to a lack of vitamin B12. These include HIV, Crohn’s Disease, or Celiac Disease. If you have the ileum part of the small intestine removed during surgery, then this deficiency can happen as well. Another possible cause is the disruption in the floral bacteria of this organ. Similarly, taking too many antibiotics can be a major risk factor. Last but not least, some individuals might have too many bacteria in their small intestine, which leads to malabsorption and vitamin B12 deficiency. [4]
