Pernicious Anemia
Alternate Names : Congenital Pernicious Anemia, Juvenile Pernicious Anemia, Macrocytic Achylic Anemia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency (Malabsorption)
Definition
Anemia is a condition where red blood cells are not providing adequate oxygen to body tissues. There are many types and causes of anemia. (See the general article - anemia.) Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance needed to absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin B12, in turn, is necessary for the formation of red blood cells.
Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia.
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