Megaloblastic anaemia is the abnormal development of red blood cells, which results in less oxygen being transported around the body; this can lead to adverse health side effects. The bone marrow is responsible for creating millions of red blood cells each day, the Nursing Times pointed out. These red blood cells are made to replace old cells that break down.
Nutrients from food, such as B12 and folate (also known as folic acid), help to ensure the bone marrow is healthy.
A healthy bone marrow is able to produce a constant supply of red blood cells.
“Each type of anaemia has its own symptoms,” said the Nursing Times.
If you suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, you might develop:
- A yellow tinge to your skin
- Sore and red tongue (glossitis)
- Ulcers inside your mouth
- Altered, or reduced, sense of touch
- Reduced ability to feel pain
- Change in the way you walk and move around
- Disturbed vision
- Irritability
- Depression.
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Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia
If the vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a lack of the nutrient in your diet, you might be prescribed supplements.
People who struggle to get enough vitamin B12 in their diet might need to take lifelong vitamin B12 supplements.
This can be likely for those who follow a vegan diet; this is because vitamin B12 is found in animal products.
Foods rich in vitamin B12:
- Meat
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Fortified cereals
- Fortified soy.
Most cases of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia can be treated effectively with supplementation.
However, complications can occur if the nutritional deficiency hasn’t been addressed over an extended period of time.
In severe cases, anaemia can lead to issues with the heart, lungs, and the nervous system.
Moreover, issues with fertility might emerge, and the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease increases.