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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffDo you fall into a risk category for a vitamin deficiency anemia?
Folate deficiency anemia
You're at risk of folate deficiency anemia if:
- You're pregnant, and you aren't taking a multivitamin containing folic acid.
- You have intestinal problems that interfere with absorption of folate.
- You abuse alcohol, because alcohol interferes with the absorption of folate.
- You take certain prescription medications, such as some anti-seizure drugs, that can block absorption of folate.
- You're undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure. Ask your doctor whether you need supplemental folic acid to prevent a deficiency.
- You're undergoing cancer treatment. Some drugs used to treat cancer can interfere with the metabolism of folate.
- Your diet is poor. If your diet is greatly lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables, or you consistently overcook your food, you may be at risk of folate deficiency anemia.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia (pernicious anemia)
You may be at risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia if:
- You don't eat meat and dairy products, foods that contain a lot of vitamin B-12. Strict vegetarians may fall into this category.
- You have an intestinal disease, abnormal bacterial growth in your stomach, or surgery to your intestines or stomach that interferes with the absorption of vitamin B-12.
- You lack intrinsic factor. Most people with a diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia lack intrinsic factor — a protein secreted by the stomach that is necessary for absorption of vitamin B-12. Lack of intrinsic factor may be due to an autoimmune reaction or a genetic defect.
- You take certain medications. Antacids and some drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes may interfere with B-12 absorption.
- You have another autoimmune disorder. People with endocrine-related autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, may have an increased risk of developing pernicious anemia.
Vitamin C deficiency anemia
You may be at risk of vitamin C deficiency anemia if:
- You're malnourished and you're not getting the nutrients and vitamins you need.
- You have a health condition such as hyperthyroidism or cancer that can drain the body of vitamin C and lead to a deficiency.
- You smoke. Smoking can lead to vitamin C deficiency because it decreases the absorption of this vitamin.
References
- Schrier SL. Etiology and clinical manifestations of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 19, 2009.
- Pernicious anemia. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/prnanmia/prnanmia_all.html. Accessed Jan. 27, 2008.
- Folate. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec01/ch004/ch004c.html#sec01-ch004-ch004c-247. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Vitamin B-12. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec01/ch004/ch004i.html#sec01-ch004-ch004j-379. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Vitamin C. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec01/ch004/ch004j.html#sec01-ch004-ch004k-403. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin B12. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp#h3. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Food sources of selected nutrients. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. USDA and Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/AppendixB.htm. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Alcoholic beverages. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. USDA and Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter9.htm. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
