What are Other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Anemia due to Vitamin Deficiency
• Anemia from Vitamin Deficiency

What is Vitamin Deficiency Anemia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Vitamin Deficiency Anemia is a blood disorder caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells due to lower than normal amounts of certain vitamins. Some vitamins linked to the condition include folate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin C
• Red blood cells (RBCs) are the principle ‘gas’ transport vehicles of the body. They supply various organs and tissues all over the body with oxygen, and carry carbon dioxide away to the lungs, for excretion
• Pregnant women and older adults are at a greater risk for developing Vitamin Deficiency Anemia. Diet, alcohol use, and certain medications can increase the risk. A poor diet, nutrition absorption issues, or the presence of certain underlying disorders may lead to its development
• Dizziness, pale skin, and weakness are some of the signs and symptoms associated with Vitamin Deficiency Anemia. Issues with pregnancy, scurvy, and nervous symptom disorders are some of the associated complications. Vitamin Deficiency Anemia may be diagnosed with a blood test
• The treatment for Vitamin Deficiency Anemia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In many cases, the prognosis is good with appropriate management of the condition. Vitamin Deficiency Anemia can be prevented with a healthy diet; it is generally recommended to eat vitamin-rich foods

Who gets Vitamin Deficiency Anemia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

·Individuals of all ages and both genders may be affected by Vitamin Deficiency Anemia. The likelihood of developing the condition generally increases as one gets older

• Pregnant women are at an especially higher risk for developing the condition because their bodies require more vitamins
• Worldwide, all racial communities and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the risk factors for Vitamin Deficiency Anemia? (Predisposing Factors)

The following may increase the risk for Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:

• Pregnancy
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain prescription medications that block vitamin absorption in the body. Some antiseizure drugs and antacids have been shown to increase the risk for Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
• Diet with little or no natural vitamin sources
• Intestinal issues that affect absorption of food in the body

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia? (Etiology)

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia can be a serious condition that affects blood production in the body. The following are some of the possible causes of the condition:

• Taking non-nutritious meals resulting in a lack of several vitamins including B12, folate (folic acid), or vitamin C in the body
• Vitamin Deficiency Anemia can be caused by an underlying condition such as celiac disease
• Thus, in some individuals, the condition is caused by not ingesting enough of these vitamins. In others, the individual’s body is unable to properly absorb these essential vitamins

Depending on the blood cell count, Vitamin Deficiency Anemia can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe; with the mild type having the maximum number of blood cells, and severe having the least number of blood cells.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia?

The signs and symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia are generally mild and vary from person to person.

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Numbness or cold feeling in the extremities
• Muscle weakness
• Weight loss
• Personality changes
• Mental confusion/forgetfulness

The signs and symptoms of the underlying disorder (if any) causing Vitamin Deficiency Anemia may be additionally noted.

How is Vitamin Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia may involve the following tests and procedures:

• A complete physical examination and assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• An evaluation of medical history to determine the presence of predisposing factors such as celiac disease
• Blood tests that may include:
  • Complete blood count (CBC), which may show decrease in the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets
  • Hemoglobin electrophoresis
  • Reticulocyte count test
• Iron blood level test
• Additional tests may be necessary to diagnose any underlying conditions causing anemia

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the Possible Complications of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia?

The complications of Vitamin Deficiency may include:

• Pregnant women with folate deficiency are more likely to experience complications when giving birth. The child may be born prematurely or develop birth defects of the brain and spinal cord
• Untreated vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to significant neurological problems including forgetfulness, loss of balance and mental confusion
• Scurvy is caused by a vitamin C deficiency and is often associated with bleeding both under the skin and around the gums

How is Vitamin Deficiency Anemia Treated?

The treatment measures for Vitamin Deficiency Anemia may vary from one individual to another. It is based on the age, health status, and severity of the condition.

• Vitamin deficiency can be typically corrected with vitamin supplements and bringing about certain changes in one’s diet
• If an underlying condition is the cause of the vitamin deficiency, then it is important to treat the underlying condition to resolve the symptoms associated with anemia

How can Vitamin Deficiency Anemia be Prevented?

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia can be generally prevented by taking several steps including:

• Choosing a healthy diet (including taking foods rich in folate, B-12, and vitamin C) 
• Taking multivitamins regularly, as prescribed by the healthcare provider
• Avoiding smoking 
• Drinking alcohol in moderation

What is the Prognosis of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia? (Outcomes/Resolution)

The prognosis of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia depends on the severity of the condition but is mostly favorable with prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment, including bringing about some lifestyle changes (healthy eating).

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:

• Megaloblastic anemia is a specific type of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia caused by the lack of vitamin B12 or folate
• There are more than 200,000 cases of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia every year in the US