Also Known As:

What is Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia?

Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia is a condition that can occur when you have lower than normal amounts of certain vitamins, specifically: Folate, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C. This leads to a lack of healthy red blood cells needed to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body.

Causes

Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia can develop if your diet is lacking in certain vitamins, or because your body can’t properly absorb the nutrients from the foods you eat. Common causes include:
•   Eating little or no meat may cause Vitamin B12 deficiency
•   Overcooking or eating too few vegetables may cause a Folate deficiency
•   Pregnancy
•   Certain medications
•   Alcohol abuse
•   Vitamin malabsorption due to bowel resection surgery (Short Bowel Syndrome)
•   Gastrointestinal diseases such as Tropical Sprue, Celiac Disease and Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms

The exact symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia will depend on the exact Vitamin that is lacking, as well as any associated complications. Common symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia may include:
•   Fatigue
•   Shortness of breath
•   Dizziness
•   Pale or yellowish skin
•   Irregular heartbeats
•   Weight loss
•   Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
•   Muscle weakness
•   Personality changes
•   Unsteady movements
•   Mental confusion or forgetfulness

Diagnosis & Treatment

Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia is diagnosed by a Doctor using a physical examination and blood tests.

Treatment for Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia includes supplements and changes in diet.

Additional Information

The main types of Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia include:
•   Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia
•   Folate Deficiency Anaemia
•   Vitamin C Deficiency Anaemia

You can prevent some forms of Vitamin Deficiency Anaemias by choosing a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods, as well as taking a multi-vitamin supplement.

Also see: Anaemia, Pernicious Anaemia