Pernicious Anemia and Other B Vitamin Deficiencies

Pernicious Anemia Test and health information

Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia in which the intestines cannot effectively absorb vitamin B12, which results in a reduced count of red blood cells that are important for getting oxygen to the body's cells. 

You can get pernicious anemia when you don't get enough vitamin B12. People with a deficiency of vitamin B12 can't properly absorb this nutrient from their food. They can't make enough healthy red blood cells to meet their body's needs. 

Our red blood cells need vitamin B12 for normal cell growth. It makes red blood cells too big when there is not enough of a certain nutrient. Cells that are too big may not be able to leave the bone marrow where they were made. A low number of red blood cells means ... See more


Name Matches





Most Popular




Most Popular


Most Popular



Most Popular









Pernicious Anemia is a type of anemia in which the intestines cannot effectively absorb vitamin B12, which results in a reduced count of red blood cells. In general, anemia is a condition that involves a lack of red blood cells, which are essential for transporting oxygen to the tissues of the body. There are various types of anemia, but pernicious anemia is a type of vitamin B12 anemia that is typically caused by an autoimmune problem. Here, we’ll discuss this rare condition, how it’s diagnosed, and how it can be treated. 

About Pernicious Anemia

When a person is diagnosed with pernicious anemia, their body cannot make enough red blood cells because it doesn’t have the necessary vitamin B12 to make them. Vitamin B12 is found in many foods, but people with this condition aren’t able to properly absorb this nutrient from food. The result is that they can’t make enough healthy red blood cells to serve their body’s needs. 

Our red blood cells require ... See more