Lack of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12

DEFINITIONS

The function of folic acid and vitamin B12 (kobalamin) related to each other in the formation of red blood cells and in the formation of one of the important components of DNA (thymidine).

LACK Folic Acid & Vitamin B12

Pernicious anemia (anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency) is a condition where vitamin B12 can not be absorbed because the stomach is unable to produce intrinsic factor, which will join with vitamin B12 and carry it to the bloodstream.
Anemia is sometimes occurs because of an excessive immune system attacks the stomach cells that produce intrinsic factor (autoimmune reaction).

Other forms of vitamin B12 deficiency can occur in:
- Vegetarian, because vitamin B12 is found only in animal products
- Patients with the inherited disorder, which prevents the transport or the activity of this vitamin.

Folic acid deficiency can occur in pregnant women that contain little food intake green vegetables and beans crops, which contains folic acid.
Babies can suffer from lack of folic acid when folic acid content in low-milk formula.

Vitamin deficiency is one cause serious anemia (pernicious anemia), in which red blood cells present in small quantities but larger size.
Symptoms of pale, weakness, decreased gastric acid secretion and nerve damage (neuropathy).
Neuropathy mainly due to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Diagnosis of deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid is based on the finding of anemia with red blood cells are large and found low levels in the blood of one or both of these vitamins.

Bone marrow examination showed a red blood cell precursors large immature, which would strengthen the diagnosis.

Treatment for pernicious anemia of vitamin B12 injection every month.

Treatment of folic acid deficiency is the provision of folic acid by mouth (swallowed).

STRENGTHS Folic Acid

Folic acid can cause poisoning in certain circumstances.
At doses more than 100 times the recommended daily doses, can increase the frequency of epileptic seizures and exacerbate the neurological damage in people who suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency.