Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most common cause of nutrition-related anemia?
What is the most common cause of nutrition-related anemia?
Which of the following stages do red blood cells enter immediately after being classified as erythroblasts?
Which of the following stages do red blood cells enter immediately after being classified as erythroblasts?
Which of the following substances is NOT essential for the development of red blood cells?
Which of the following substances is NOT essential for the development of red blood cells?
What percentage of the body's iron is found in hemoglobin?
What percentage of the body's iron is found in hemoglobin?
Signup and view all the answers
Anemia results if any of which of the following factors is absent or amiss?
Anemia results if any of which of the following factors is absent or amiss?
Signup and view all the answers
In which location do red blood cells begin to develop?
In which location do red blood cells begin to develop?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of anemia is primarily caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12?
What type of anemia is primarily caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12?
Signup and view all the answers
How many people are estimated to be iron deficient worldwide?
How many people are estimated to be iron deficient worldwide?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency?
What is the primary consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following compounds is required for the absorption of vitamin B12?
Which of the following compounds is required for the absorption of vitamin B12?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following laboratory findings is indicative of iron deficiency anemia?
Which of the following laboratory findings is indicative of iron deficiency anemia?
Signup and view all the answers
What role does vitamin B12 play in DNA synthesis?
What role does vitamin B12 play in DNA synthesis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary indication for the use of ferrous sulfate?
What is the primary indication for the use of ferrous sulfate?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to the body when intrinsic factor is absent?
What happens to the body when intrinsic factor is absent?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following represents the most significant adverse effects of oral iron preparations?
Which of the following represents the most significant adverse effects of oral iron preparations?
Signup and view all the answers
In which part of the body is vitamin B12 primarily stored?
In which part of the body is vitamin B12 primarily stored?
Signup and view all the answers
What condition is characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency?
What condition is characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a crucial step before initiating therapy for iron deficiency?
What is a crucial step before initiating therapy for iron deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the absorption rate of ferrous iron salts compare to ferric iron salts?
How does the absorption rate of ferrous iron salts compare to ferric iron salts?
Signup and view all the answers
How much vitamin B12 is typically stored in the body?
How much vitamin B12 is typically stored in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended action to prevent tooth staining from liquid iron preparations?
What is the recommended action to prevent tooth staining from liquid iron preparations?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of anemia is most commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency?
What type of anemia is most commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which oral iron preparation is noted to be the most cost-effective?
Which oral iron preparation is noted to be the most cost-effective?
Signup and view all the answers
What can happen if large doses of folic acid are administered in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency?
What can happen if large doses of folic acid are administered in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be done if the therapy for iron deficiency anemia fails to produce a response?
What should be done if the therapy for iron deficiency anemia fails to produce a response?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following interactions decreases the absorption of iron?
Which of the following interactions decreases the absorption of iron?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common symptom associated with prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency?
What is a common symptom associated with prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following adverse effects may occur with oral iron therapy?
Which of the following adverse effects may occur with oral iron therapy?
Signup and view all the answers
How does vitamin B12 deficiency affect the structure of red blood cells?
How does vitamin B12 deficiency affect the structure of red blood cells?
Signup and view all the answers
In what scenario is parenteral iron preferred over oral iron?
In what scenario is parenteral iron preferred over oral iron?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of vitamin B12 is typically excreted daily?
What percentage of vitamin B12 is typically excreted daily?
Signup and view all the answers
Which form of iron is used most often for therapy?
Which form of iron is used most often for therapy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on white blood cells?
What is a potential effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on white blood cells?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the lethal dose of elemental iron for young children?
What is the lethal dose of elemental iron for young children?
Signup and view all the answers
What effect does ascorbic acid (vitamin C) have when combined with iron?
What effect does ascorbic acid (vitamin C) have when combined with iron?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary reason for increased iron demand during pregnancy?
What is the primary reason for increased iron demand during pregnancy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum absorptive capacity of iron in mucosal cells of the small intestine per day?
What is the maximum absorptive capacity of iron in mucosal cells of the small intestine per day?
Signup and view all the answers
Which form of iron is absorbed more readily by the body?
Which form of iron is absorbed more readily by the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What primarily regulates the amount of iron in the body?
What primarily regulates the amount of iron in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
How is iron released from red blood cells after they are catabolized?
How is iron released from red blood cells after they are catabolized?
Signup and view all the answers
Which demographic group has a particularly high requirement for iron due to rapid growth?
Which demographic group has a particularly high requirement for iron due to rapid growth?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the expected daily iron intake for adult women due to menstruation?
What is the expected daily iron intake for adult women due to menstruation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common consequence of iron deficiency?
What is a common consequence of iron deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of iron deficiency?
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of iron deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of transferrin in the body?
What is the primary function of transferrin in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of dietary iron is typically absorbed when body stores are high?
What percentage of dietary iron is typically absorbed when body stores are high?
Signup and view all the answers
Which factor can enhance iron absorption from the diet?
Which factor can enhance iron absorption from the diet?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most common site for iron storage in the body?
What is the most common site for iron storage in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What is primarily affected by a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body?
What is primarily affected by a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following symptoms is typically an early manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Which of the following symptoms is typically an early manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What adverse effects does severe vitamin B12 deficiency cause?
What adverse effects does severe vitamin B12 deficiency cause?
Signup and view all the answers
When treating moderate vitamin B12 deficiency, which action is sufficient?
When treating moderate vitamin B12 deficiency, which action is sufficient?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is folic acid not a substitute for vitamin B12 in treatment?
Why is folic acid not a substitute for vitamin B12 in treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
In the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, which of the following is NOT correct?
In the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, which of the following is NOT correct?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be monitored periodically during prolonged vitamin B12 treatment?
What should be monitored periodically during prolonged vitamin B12 treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
What are common complications of prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency?
What are common complications of prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
In a definitive diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency, what combination of factors is considered?
In a definitive diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency, what combination of factors is considered?
Signup and view all the answers
What defines the treatment for severe vitamin B12 deficiency?
What defines the treatment for severe vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential hazard of using folic acid to treat vitamin B12 deficiency?
What is a potential hazard of using folic acid to treat vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes vitamin B12 deficiency from folic acid deficiency?
What distinguishes vitamin B12 deficiency from folic acid deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What could result from a lack of vitamin B12 affecting rapidly dividing cells?
What could result from a lack of vitamin B12 affecting rapidly dividing cells?
Signup and view all the answers
In terms of recovery from vitamin B12 deficiency, how does the duration of symptoms affect prognosis?
In terms of recovery from vitamin B12 deficiency, how does the duration of symptoms affect prognosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary metabolic function of folic acid?
What is the primary metabolic function of folic acid?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition can lead to folic acid deficiency due to increased requirements?
Which condition can lead to folic acid deficiency due to increased requirements?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key symptom of folic acid deficiency?
What is a key symptom of folic acid deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the body maintain folate stores?
How does the body maintain folate stores?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a common dietary source of folic acid?
Which of the following is a common dietary source of folic acid?
Signup and view all the answers
What mechanism allows for the activation of folate without vitamin B12?
What mechanism allows for the activation of folate without vitamin B12?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition is least likely to cause folic acid deficiency?
Which condition is least likely to cause folic acid deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which treatment is preferred for treating a folic acid deficiency due to malabsorption?
Which treatment is preferred for treating a folic acid deficiency due to malabsorption?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended daily intake of folic acid for women of reproductive age?
What is the recommended daily intake of folic acid for women of reproductive age?
Signup and view all the answers
What effect does folic acid deficiency have on the nervous system?
What effect does folic acid deficiency have on the nervous system?
Signup and view all the answers
Why should folic acid be used cautiously in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency?
Why should folic acid be used cautiously in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a typical method to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy for folic acid deficiency?
What is a typical method to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy for folic acid deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition is commonly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and atherosclerosis due to folate deficiency?
Which condition is commonly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and atherosclerosis due to folate deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
In cases of severe folic acid deficiency, which initial treatment is most likely to be recommended?
In cases of severe folic acid deficiency, which initial treatment is most likely to be recommended?
Signup and view all the answers
Which factor is essential for hemoglobin synthesis but not directly for RBC maturation?
Which factor is essential for hemoglobin synthesis but not directly for RBC maturation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary role of erythropoietin in the context of red blood cell development?
What is the primary role of erythropoietin in the context of red blood cell development?
Signup and view all the answers
What consequence does a lack of folic acid have on red blood cell development?
What consequence does a lack of folic acid have on red blood cell development?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement accurately describes the function of myoglobin in the body?
Which statement accurately describes the function of myoglobin in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the status of iron in the human body?
Which of the following best describes the status of iron in the human body?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of the body's iron is typically present in myoglobin?
What percentage of the body's iron is typically present in myoglobin?
Signup and view all the answers
Which group is most likely to experience a higher risk of iron deficiency due to rapid growth?
Which group is most likely to experience a higher risk of iron deficiency due to rapid growth?
Signup and view all the answers
What role do iron-containing enzymes play in the body?
What role do iron-containing enzymes play in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical percentage of dietary iron absorbed when body stores are low?
What is the typical percentage of dietary iron absorbed when body stores are low?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following factors primarily regulates the amount of iron in the body?
Which of the following factors primarily regulates the amount of iron in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main reason for increased iron requirements during pregnancy?
What is the main reason for increased iron requirements during pregnancy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the daily RDA of iron for adult men?
What is the daily RDA of iron for adult men?
Signup and view all the answers
How is iron primarily lost from the body under normal conditions?
How is iron primarily lost from the body under normal conditions?
Signup and view all the answers
Which form of iron is absorbed more efficiently in the body?
Which form of iron is absorbed more efficiently in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
Which consequence is most likely to result from iron deficiency anemia?
Which consequence is most likely to result from iron deficiency anemia?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the fate of most transferrin-bound iron in the body?
What is the fate of most transferrin-bound iron in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common cause of iron deficiency beyond dietary intake?
What is a common cause of iron deficiency beyond dietary intake?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these is a consequence of iron deficiency in young children?
Which of these is a consequence of iron deficiency in young children?
Signup and view all the answers
What typically happens to iron in red blood cells after they reach the end of their life cycle?
What typically happens to iron in red blood cells after they reach the end of their life cycle?
Signup and view all the answers
Which demographic group requires higher iron intake relative to body weight due to rapid growth?
Which demographic group requires higher iron intake relative to body weight due to rapid growth?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of total body iron is found in circulating erythrocytes?
What percentage of total body iron is found in circulating erythrocytes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential outcome if therapy for iron deficiency anemia fails to produce a response?
What is a potential outcome if therapy for iron deficiency anemia fails to produce a response?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a reason to avoid oral iron in patients with gastrointestinal disorders?
Which of the following is a reason to avoid oral iron in patients with gastrointestinal disorders?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be prioritized before initiating therapy for iron deficiency anemia?
What should be prioritized before initiating therapy for iron deficiency anemia?
Signup and view all the answers
Which oral iron preparation is considered the treatment of choice for iron deficiency anemia?
Which oral iron preparation is considered the treatment of choice for iron deficiency anemia?
Signup and view all the answers
How does oral iron therapy generally affect stools?
How does oral iron therapy generally affect stools?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the effect of combining iron with ascorbic acid (vitamin C)?
What is the effect of combining iron with ascorbic acid (vitamin C)?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following must be monitored closely after beginning oral iron treatment?
Which of the following must be monitored closely after beginning oral iron treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
What may contribute to the risk of iron toxicity in children?
What may contribute to the risk of iron toxicity in children?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the preferred route of administration for iron therapy when oral iron is ineffective?
What is the preferred route of administration for iron therapy when oral iron is ineffective?
Signup and view all the answers
Which factor primarily regulates the amount of iron in the body?
Which factor primarily regulates the amount of iron in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What potential effect does high-dose iron therapy have on patients with existing GI disorders?
What potential effect does high-dose iron therapy have on patients with existing GI disorders?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the usual outcome within 4 to 7 days after starting successful iron therapy?
What is the usual outcome within 4 to 7 days after starting successful iron therapy?
Signup and view all the answers
Which iron preparation is absorbed more slowly, reducing the risk of toxicity?
Which iron preparation is absorbed more slowly, reducing the risk of toxicity?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary early symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency?
What is a primary early symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which treatment is advised for patients with severe neurological deficits due to B12 deficiency?
Which treatment is advised for patients with severe neurological deficits due to B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What can result from prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency?
What can result from prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is folic acid not a substitute for vitamin B12 in treating deficiency?
Why is folic acid not a substitute for vitamin B12 in treating deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which consequence is associated with severe vitamin B12 deficiency?
Which consequence is associated with severe vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the treatment for moderate vitamin B12 deficiency include?
What does the treatment for moderate vitamin B12 deficiency include?
Signup and view all the answers
Which laboratory findings lead to a clear diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Which laboratory findings lead to a clear diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
During long-term treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency, how often should plasma levels of vitamin B12 be monitored?
During long-term treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency, how often should plasma levels of vitamin B12 be monitored?
Signup and view all the answers
Which is a symptom of folic acid deficiency that is similar to vitamin B12 deficiency?
Which is a symptom of folic acid deficiency that is similar to vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to megaloblasts in bone marrow shortly after starting treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency?
What happens to megaloblasts in bone marrow shortly after starting treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential hazard of treating vitamin B12 deficiency with folic acid?
What is a potential hazard of treating vitamin B12 deficiency with folic acid?
Signup and view all the answers
What condition may lead to lifelong treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency?
What condition may lead to lifelong treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which factor differentiates the mechanism of vitamin B12 deficiency from its hematologic effects?
Which factor differentiates the mechanism of vitamin B12 deficiency from its hematologic effects?
Signup and view all the answers
What triggers the activation of dietary folic acid to its usable form in the body?
What triggers the activation of dietary folic acid to its usable form in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the consequence of folic acid deficiency that is NOT shared with vitamin B12 deficiency?
What is the consequence of folic acid deficiency that is NOT shared with vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What condition may lead to increased folic acid requirements?
What condition may lead to increased folic acid requirements?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a significant cause of folic acid deficiency?
Which of the following is a significant cause of folic acid deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the preferred route for administering folic acid for most patients?
What is the preferred route for administering folic acid for most patients?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the body conserve folic acid compared to vitamin B12?
How does the body conserve folic acid compared to vitamin B12?
Signup and view all the answers
What role does enterohepatic recirculation play in folic acid metabolism?
What role does enterohepatic recirculation play in folic acid metabolism?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition may worsen the enterohepatic recirculation of folic acid?
Which condition may worsen the enterohepatic recirculation of folic acid?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these patients would be recommended to take folic acid supplements?
Which of these patients would be recommended to take folic acid supplements?
Signup and view all the answers
What might be a potential consequence of excessive alcohol consumption related to folate metabolism?
What might be a potential consequence of excessive alcohol consumption related to folate metabolism?
Signup and view all the answers
What initial treatment is recommended for severe folic acid deficiency with megaloblastic anemia?
What initial treatment is recommended for severe folic acid deficiency with megaloblastic anemia?
Signup and view all the answers
What effect can excessive dietary folic acid have in the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency?
What effect can excessive dietary folic acid have in the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
What measures should be taken if folic acid deficiency is due to malabsorption?
What measures should be taken if folic acid deficiency is due to malabsorption?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement accurately describes the role of vitamin B12 in DNA synthesis?
Which statement accurately describes the role of vitamin B12 in DNA synthesis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency related to cell division?
What is the primary consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency related to cell division?
Signup and view all the answers
What mechanism allows for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the absence of intrinsic factor?
What mechanism allows for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the absence of intrinsic factor?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition is described as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by lack of intrinsic factor?
Which condition is described as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by lack of intrinsic factor?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to vitamin B12 in the liver after absorption?
What happens to vitamin B12 in the liver after absorption?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical daily percentage of vitamin B12 that is excreted from the body?
What is the typical daily percentage of vitamin B12 that is excreted from the body?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a potential cause of impaired absorption of vitamin B12?
Which of the following is a potential cause of impaired absorption of vitamin B12?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following cells are primarily affected by vitamin B12 deficiency?
Which of the following cells are primarily affected by vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of anemia is characterized by the presence of megaloblasts and macrocytes?
Which type of anemia is characterized by the presence of megaloblasts and macrocytes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant effect of prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency on the nervous system?
What is a significant effect of prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency on the nervous system?
Signup and view all the answers
What factor is crucial for the conversion of folic acid to its active form?
What factor is crucial for the conversion of folic acid to its active form?
Signup and view all the answers
What alternative pathway can activate folic acid in the presence of high concentrations?
What alternative pathway can activate folic acid in the presence of high concentrations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common gastrointestinal disturbance associated with vitamin B12 deficiency?
What is a common gastrointestinal disturbance associated with vitamin B12 deficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms develop slowly over time?
Why do vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms develop slowly over time?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Anemia and Deficiency Drugs
- Anemia is a decrease in red blood cell count, size, or hemoglobin content. Most deficiency anemias result from insufficient iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid. Globally, millions suffer from iron deficiency, the common cause of nutritional anemia.
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Development
- RBCs start developing in the bone marrow, then mature in the blood.
- Development progresses through four stages: proerythroblasts (lack hemoglobin), erythroblasts (gain hemoglobin), reticulocytes (immature RBCs), and mature erythrocytes.
- RBC development needs a healthy bone marrow, erythropoietin (stimulates maturation), iron for hemoglobin synthesis, and other factors like vitamin B12 and folic acid.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency and the most common cause of nutritional anemia globally.
- Approximately 5% of the US population is iron deficient.
- Iron is crucial for hemoglobin, myoglobin, and various enzymes.
- About 70-80% of body iron is in hemoglobin.
- Iron absorption in the small intestine favors ferrous iron (Fe2+), enhanced by vitamin C, but inhibited by food.
- Iron is stored as ferritin or transported by transferrin, continuously recycled.
- Daily excretion is minimal (~1 mg). Iron is tightly regulated. High stores decrease absorption; low stores increase absorption.
- Blood loss (menorrhagia, hemorrhage, donations) considerably reduces iron levels.
- Iron requirements increase during infancy, childhood, and pregnancy. Pregnant individuals and menstruating women have increased iron needs, requiring supplementation to exceed typical dietary needs.
Iron Deficiency: Causes, Consequences, & Diagnosis
- Causes usually stem from increased demand—pregnancy, infant/child growth, or chronic blood loss—rather than reduced uptake, though conditions like gastrectomy can affect absorption.
- Consequences include microcytic, hypochromic RBCs; reduced oxygen-carrying capacity; fatigue, pallor; potential tachycardia, dyspnea, angina, and impaired myoglobin and iron-containing enzyme production. This impacts growth and development in children and adolescents.
- Diagnosis involves observing microcytic, hypochromic RBCs, absence of hemosiderin in bone marrow, and reduced RBC count, reticulocyte hemoglobin, hemoglobin/hematocrit, serum iron, and increased serum iron-binding capacity (indicating reduced iron availability).
Iron Treatments
- Oral ferrous salts (especially ferrous sulfate) are favored due to better absorption than ferric salts.
- Common adverse effects include GI disturbances (nausea, heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea), which are usually most noticeable initially and often improve over time, but may exacerbate existing conditions.
- Liquid preparations can stain teeth; dilute in juice/water, use a straw/dropper, rinse after use.
- Iron toxicity is rare from therapeutic doses but is a worry in overdoses, especially in children.
- Interactions with other drugs like antacids and tetracyclines can affect iron absorption.
- Carbonyl iron is a slower-absorbing alternative, potentially reducing toxicity risk.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is vital for DNA synthesis.
- It activates folic acid for DNA synthesis.
- Absorption requires intrinsic factor (secreted by stomach parietal cells). This forms a complex absorbed in the small intestine.
- Deficiency commonly stems from impaired absorption rather than dietary deficiency. Regional enteritis, celiac disease, antibodies against the B12-intrinsic factor complex, bariatric surgery, or reduced stomach acid can impair absorption. Pernicious anemia is caused by intrinsic factor deficiency from parietal cell atrophy.
- Consequences: Megaloblastic (macrocytic) anemia, impacting bone marrow and mucosal cells; neurologic damage (demyelination), potentially causing permanent neurological sequelae. Symptoms may include paresthesias, loss of reflexes, memory loss, mood changes, hallucinations, and psychosis. Death from severe anemia is possible -- heart failure, dysrhythmias.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treatment
- Oral B12 is used when absorption isn't severely compromised.
- Parenteral (injection) B12 is preferred for severe neurologic deficiencies.
- Moderate deficiency targets only megaloblastic & macrocytic cells. Severe deficiency impacts all blood cells, causing anemia, infections, and bleeding; treatment includes B12 injections, blood transfusions, and antibiotics, with recovery from anemia quicker than neurologic recovery, which may be incomplete. Long-term treatment is required for conditions like pernicious anemia (typically monthly/weekly injections or high daily oral doses).
Folic Acid Deficiency
- Folic acid (folate) is crucial for DNA synthesis.
- Absorption occurs in the proximal small intestine; stored in/circulates in the liver. Rapid excretion compared to B12 leads to quicker deficiency development.
- Deficiency often results from poor diet (especially alcohol use disorder) or malabsorption (sprue).
- Consequences: Megaloblastic anemia, similar to B12 deficiency but without neurological problems.
- Treatment: Oral folic acid is preferred, high doses needed for malabsorption. Folic Acid supplementation can mask B12 deficiency, so combined treatment may be necessary for severe cases.
Pregnancy and Folic Acid
- Folic acid deficiency early in pregnancy can cause neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly), highlighting the importance of pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation of 400–800 μg/day. Dietary intake alone may not be enough.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the causes and effects of nutrition-related anemia. This quiz covers essential aspects, such as the development stages of red blood cells, the importance of vitamins and minerals, and global iron deficiency statistics. Challenge yourself with questions about the factors that influence anemia.