Pernicious Anemia : Causes
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Causes could include:
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Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein produced by the stomach that helps the body absorb vitamin B12. When stomach does not have enough intrinsic factor, it cannot properly absorb the vitamin. Ner...
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Diagnosis of pernicious anemia is suggested when a blood test reveals abnormally large red blood cells. Many of these will also be abnormally shaped. The earliest, least mature forms of red blood cells (reticulocytes) will also be low in number. W...
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Intrinsic factor is a natural substance normally present in the stomach. It is essential to the digestion of vitamin B-12 . Lack of intrinsic factor leads to pernicious anemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency. Babies that are born without intrinsic factor cannot properly absorb vitamin B-12 starting around 6 months of age. The juvenile type of lack of intrinsic factor tends to manifest itself after the age of ten.
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