Vitamin B12 Deficiency Megaloblastic Anaemia

Question 1

How is B12 normally used by the body?

Answer 1

• Vitamin B12 binds to intrinsic factor (produced by stomach parietal cells)
• Absorbed in the terminal ileum

Question 2

CAUSES: Vitamin B12

Answer 2

1. Diet (vegan
2. Impaired absorption

• Pernicious anameia
• Gastrectomy
• Ileal disease/resection/Coeliac disease

Question 3

CLINICAL FEATURES: Vitamin B12

Answer 3

Neurological manifestations

• Parasthesia
• Numbness
• Cognitive changes
• Visual disturbances

Question 4

INVESTIGATIONS: Vitamin B12

Answer 4

Bloods

• MCV = High
• B12 = Low
• Platelets = Low
• WBC = LOW
• Pareital cell/IF antibodies,
• Schilling test
• Folate levels