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Megaloblastic anemia: causes, symptoms and treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a lack of folic acid or vitamin B12. These two components are essential for forming red blood cells and providing oxygen to the cells for their proper functioning. Therefore, when one of the two components that contribute to the regular creation of red blood cells is deficient, there is a decrease in the rate of DNA synthesis in the cells, and, as a consequence, the red blood cells increase in size. One of the consequences of altering cell maturation is their destruction, developing anemia. At FastlyHealwe, explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment of megaloblastic anemia.

Causes of megaloblastic anemia

The two leading causes that alter the average production of red blood cells are a lack of folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, or a deficiency of vitamin B12. These vitamins are acquired from certain foods and are involved in synthesizing the DNA of red blood cells and accumulating in the liver.

  • Folic acid or vitamin B9 deficiency. The leading cause is an improper diet, especially when the person suffers from dehydration or alcoholism. This lack of folic acid is also a consequence, on some occasions, of incorrect absorption generated by intestinal and liver diseases and poor storage of it. The consumption of some drugs can also cause inefficient absorption of folic acid.
  • Lack of vitamin B12. This vitamin contributes to the metabolism of proteins, the formation of red blood cells, and the correct state of the central nervous system. When we consume foods rich in vitamin B12, it is absorbed by the small intestine after joining in the stomach with a protein. Later, both are transferred to the bone marrow, where they help to create red blood cells. When a part is not used in said creation, it is stored in the liver. If an adequate amount of this vitamin is not obtained, the previous process is impaired.
  • In the same way that it happens with the lack of folic acid, the leading cause of the deficiency of this vitamin is a diet low in foods rich in it. There may also be intestinal absorption problems, as well as other digestive diseases or infections. Some conditions that lead to a lack of vitamin B12 are those in which the person needs a greater consumption, such as pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, some drugs, or tumors.

The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is chronic atrophic gastritis. This disorder involves an alteration of the stomach mucosa that prevents its proper absorption. This alteration occurs as a consequence of an autoimmune disease with which the organism generates antibodies that destroy the mucosa cells.

Symptoms associated with megaloblastic anemia

The symptoms of megaloblastic anemia are, for the most part, the same as those of an anemic syndrome. These symptoms are the consequence of incorrect oxygenation of the tissues due to the alterations produced in the formation of red blood cells.

The most common symptoms are the following:

  • Fatigue.
  • Pallor.
  • Headache.
  • Exhausted.
  • Reddish tongue and with pain.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Depression.
  • Tingle.
  • Memory and comprehension problems

If the cause of anemia is a lack of vitamin B12, other symptoms occur. One of the symptoms may be generated due to the importance of this vitamin in the formation of the myelin that covers the nerves, which can lead to the development of problems related to the ability to move or sensitivity due to neurological damage.

Treatments that can be applied

Treatment will focus mainly on providing the necessary amount of folic acid or vitamin B12 to achieve a standard formation of red blood cells while solving the original problem causing the deficit.

  • Diet rich in folic acid or vitamin B12 . Diet is essential to acquire an adequate level of vitamin B12. Some foods that provide us with this vitamin are meats, chicken, fish such as salmon and sardines, eggs, dairy products, and vegetables. On the other hand, folic acid can be obtained from lentils and beans, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, cereals and bread.
  • Another option that makes it possible to make up for the lack of these vitamins with food supplements in pills. Its consumption is easy and fast, and it has no side effects that can be considered severe.
  • The doctor may consider it appropriate to administer vitamins intramuscularly in cases where it is urgent. On the other hand, patients suffering from pernicious anemia should be administered vitamin B12 for life since this type of anemia supposes a deficiency of the intestines to absorb it properly.

Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid is essential.

In the case of witnessing any of the symptoms above, a doctor should be consulted for a blood test or other tests to detect the presence of any abnormality related to problems in the production of red blood cells.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Megaloblastic anemia: causes, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Blood, heart and circulation .

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