Note
You are in a sub-theme of the Anemia section. You can find general information on this topic under: Anemia
Introduction
The megaloblastic anemias belong to the hyperchromic anemias and are the result of a vitamin deficiency, abnormal vitamin metabolism or other DNA synthesis disorders. Affected is above all the DNA synthesis and thus the nuclear maturation, which supplies in consequence too large precursor cells in the bone marrow. The cells of the peripheral blood are also affected.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
An important vitamin in the formation of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) is vitamin B 12, which acts as co-enzyme in DNA synthesis. The daily requirement is 1 – 2 μg. The body can store this vitamin in the liver.
The storage capacity is about 2 – 4 μg. The vitamin is absorbed through food and is particularly abundant in foods such as dairy products and meat. In order to be absorbed through the small intestine, the vitamin needs a special factor, the intrinsic factor. This is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach.
Folic acid deficiency
With the Folsäure it concerns a further important Vitamin, which is needed for the formation of the DNA. It is also called vitamin B9 or vitamin M. Like vitamin B 12, the body cannot produce folic acid itself. It must therefore be supplied via food.
Certain medicines can impair the absorption of folic acid. The daily requirement is about 50 – 100 μg. The body has only a small storage capacity (5 – 20 mg), so that it is exhausted after only about 4 months. Causes for folic acid deficiency are often pregnancy or alcohol abuse.
Therapy
The therapy depends on the different causes of anemia.
- Substitution of iron, vitamins, intrinsic factor, etc.
- Remedy the source of bleeding (e.g. treatment of tumors and ulcers)
- Treating Infections
- Abstinence from triggering factors such as chemicals, pesticides, certain drugs, etc.
- Administration of foreign blood (transfusion)
