Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Macrocytic anemia
Symptoms
People with mild anemia may have no symptoms, or symptoms may be very mild.
More typical symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia include:
-
Diarrhea or constipation -
Fatigue , lack of energy, or light-headedness when standing up or with exertion Loss of appetite -
Pale skin - Problems concentrating
-
Shortness of breath , mostly during exercise - Swollen, red tongue or bleeding gums
Symptoms from nerve damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency that has been present for a longer time include:
- Confusion or change in mental status (
dementia ) in severe cases - Depression
- Loss of balance
- Numbness and tingling of hands and feet
Signs and tests
A physical exam may show problems with reflexes or a positive
The following tests may be done:
CBC Reticulocyte count -
Schilling test (if pernicious anemia is suspected) - Serum
LDH - Serum vitamin B12 level and
serum folate levels
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Review Date: 01/31/2010
Reviewed By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program,
Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
