Cobalamin (Vitamin B
12
) Deficiency
Cobalamin Deficiency--formerly known as
pernicious anemia
Vitamin B
12
(cobalamin) is an important water-
soluble vitamin.
Intrinsic factor
(IF) is required for cobalamin
absorption
Causes of cobalamin deficiency
Gastric mucosa not secreting IF
GI surgery
loss of IF-secreting gastric mucosal cells
Long-term use of H
2
-histamine receptor blockers cause
a
trophy or loss of gastric mucosa.
Nutritional deficiency
Hereditary defects of cobalamine utilization
40