The above is the title of a webpage on the Home page of the PAS (first tab).
However, like a Times article, the headline bears no relationship with the words below., ie it doesn't describe the difference, it just describes B12 deficiency. There is a similar page describing Pernicious Anaemia, but again, no info on the difference.
Does anyone know of an accepted definition of the difference?
Written by
BrianTheElder
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Pernicious Anaemia is an autoimmune Vitamin B12 deficiency .condition . Caused by Intrinsic Factor Antibodies which destroy the parietal cells in the stomach . Parietal cells produce the Intrinsic Factor . a protein which is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 . These cells also produce stomach acid , also needed fir B12 absorption, but also for other vitamins , minerals and trace elements . Pernicious Anaemia is incurable , and must be treated for life with B12 injections.
Other B12 deficiencies can be caused by
A diet which is insufficient in foods that contain vitamin B12 , namely meat, fish, dairy products and eggs . It can be rectified by either consumption of b12 foods or taking B12 tablets. ( for vegans and strict vegetarians )
Certain stomach operations which remove the parietal cells
Infestation by fish tapeworm , caused by eating infected raw fish or inadequately smoked fish
The taking of certain medications eg metformin , PPIs ( proton pump inhibitors ) and other stomach acid suppressors. Look up other medications that can impair absorption of B12.
The abuse of Nitrous Oxide( Laughing Gas)
Helicobacter Pylori infection
Pernicious Anaemia is the most common cause of B 12 deficiency.
Pernicious Anemia is an archaic term that used to describe B12 deficiency anemia. At that time, there was no cure and so people died from it. Since we do now have a cure (injections), Pernicious Anemia is used to describe individuals who can no longer absorb B12 and so must be on injections for the rest of their lives. They cannot change diet or use oral, usually.
Today, B12 Deficiency anemia refers to ALL instances of B12 deficiency. And Pernicious Anemia really means autoimmune gastritis.
Very often Pernicious Anemia is referred to as the same thing - B12 deficiency. Even medics do this.
So the whole things needs alot of looking at and rebranding.
Thank you Pickle500 , you win the prize for best description.
I had the feeling that medics didn't like to use the term Pernicious Anemia.
I presume I have B12 deficiency anaemia caused by some form of autoimmune response, and that is why I am on hydroxocobalamin injections. Whether I ever receive further blood tests for a proper diagnosis is doubtful.
Thanks, Im honoured 😀If you're not sure why you have it, you can push for tests. You should certainly stay on injections and get them from the surgery.
I was in a younger category for PA, early middle age, and while it wasn't strictly diet (I ate fish and meat but had reduced my intake as a semi-vegetarian) I believe there became a scarcity of B12 that couldn't support me through a stressful time.
So, if there are no clues or indications and your are in the upper age bracket then it would seem likely to be PA/Autoimmune Gastritis.
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