Anemia Could Be Due to Vitamin Deficiency
Anemia is characterized by either an abnormally low concentration of RBCs in the blood or an abnormally low level of hemoglobin within the RBCs. Hemoglobin is the protein inside RBCs that binds to oxygen and enables its transport to the tissues, where carbon dioxide is picked up and carried back to the lungs for exhalation. As a result, when levels are too low, the body may not be able to transfer oxygen sufficiently and may accumulate carbon dioxide. There are several causes of anemias, and one of them is vitamin deficiency anemia.
What Is Vitamin Deficiency Anemia?
Anemia caused by vitamin deficiency occurs when the body fails to produce enough healthy red blood cells. It usually occurs when a person’s vitamin B12 or B9 (folate or folic acid) levels are low.
The body might produce abnormally large red blood cells instead of healthy red blood cells. These cells are unable to distribute oxygen throughout the body in the proper manner. Another term for vitamin deficient anemia is megaloblastic anemia ,in which we abnormally large red blood cells.
What Causes Megaloblastic Anemia in a Child?
The etiology of megaloblastic anemia is multifactorial. The most prevalent cause in children is a deficiency in vitamin B-12 or folic acid.
Digestive illnesses are among the other factors. These consist of enteroenteric fistulas, chronic infectious enteritis, and coeliac disease.
Intestinal or stomach surgery in the past may have compromised the absorption of folate or B-12.
One kind of megaloblastic anemia is called pernicious anemia. It results from a failure of the body to absorb vitamin B-12. The stomach is where the intrinsic factor is generally produced. This substance helps in the body’s absorption of B-12. A person suffering from pernicious anemia is deficient in this substance.
Inherited congenital malabsorption of folate- an infant’s inability to absorb folic acid due to a hereditary condition.
Medicines- Some medications can affect the absorption of folic acid, such as those used to prevent seizures.
Dietary habits- Children who are on vegan diets may not be getting enough folate or vitamin B-12 in their meals, which results in megaloblastic anemia.Dietary deficiency is the most common cause for megaloblastic anemia.
What Are the Symptoms of Megaloblastic Anemia in a Child?
The following are some symptoms of megaloblastic anemia:
Pale or yellow skin
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Feeling weak
Lack of energy
Loss of appetite
Being cranky or grouchy
Nauseous, diarrhea, gas, constipation
Difficulty in walking
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
Bald and sore tongue
Poor muscle tone
Infantile tremors.In some instances ,even regression of milestones in infants.
Megaloblastic anemia’s symptoms might mimic those of other illnesses or medical conditions. For a diagnosis, always consult your child’s pediatrician.
How Is Megaloblastic Anemia Diagnosed in a Child?
Your child’s healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. A detailed physical examination of the child is mandatory. Your child may also have the following tests:
Hematocrit and hemoglobin. This is often the first test done to check for anemia in children. It measures the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood.
Complete blood count (CBC). A complete blood count counts the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. It may also measure young red blood cells called reticulocytes. Haematocrit, haemoglobin, and additional information about the red blood cells are included.
The peripheral smear. A small blood sample is examined under a microscope. Blood cells are examined to see whether or not they appear normal.
Additional blood testing. For instance, your child might need iron, folate, and B-12 blood testing,Homocysteine levels, Serum methyl malonic acid levels,Direct coombs test along with liver function tests.
In rare instances, a bone marrow aspiration, biopsy, or both may be performed to examine the quantity, size, and development of abnormal cells and blood cells.
How Is Megaloblastic Anemia Treated in a Child?
The specific cause of your child’s anemia, in addition to their age and overall health, will all be factors in deciding the best course of treatment for them. The severity of the condition will also be a factor in this.
Your child’s doctor may refer you to a pediatric hematologist. He or she specializes in blood disorders. Sometimes it is necessary to manage the digestive system problem before the anemia can be treated. For this reason, the doctor treating your child may also suggest that you consult a pediatric gastroenterologist. He or she is a specialist in the treatment of problems of the digestive system.
B-12 or folic acid supplements are typically given to children with megaloblastic anemia. Injections are the most effective way to provide vitamin B-12 supplementation. Supplements containing folic acid are taken orally.
Natural Sources of Folate in Food Include
Oranges, orange juice
Dark green and leafy vegetables
Liver
Dairy products
Eggs
Meat
Brussels sprouts
Beans, peas, lentils, nuts
Cereals, breads, pastas, and rice are fortified with folic acid.
Vitamin B-12 is mostly found in meat and dairy products. Cereal and other meals could also be supplemented with B-12.
What Are Possible Complications of Megaloblastic Anemia in a Child?
Anemia generally can result in:
Problems with growth and development
Fatigue
Hematological disturbances in platelet and white blood cells count.
If the anemia is severe in infant, it can lead to seizures and regression of milestones.
Neurological complications like peripheral neuropathy ,Subacute degeneration of spinal cord can also set in.
When to consult a child’s healthcare provider?
If your child shows any of the following symptoms of anemia: increased fatigue, decreased energy, or other signs, consult the pediatrician.
Conclusion
Anemia resulting from a vitamin deficiency happens because the body cannot produce enough red blood cells that are healthy. Usually, this type of anemia is linked to either vitamin B12 or B9 deficiency. If your child has an unhealthy diet or suffers from some other medical condition that negatively impacts the body’s ability to absorb substances properly, then your child may develop this type of vitamin deficiency anemia. The treatment objective for such anemia would be normalization of B12 or B9 levels. Pediatric hematologist would be the better person to plan and guide treatment accordingly.
FAQs for Anemia Could Be Due to Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin deficiency anemia occurs when the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells due to a lack of essential vitamins, primarily vitamin B12 or B9 (folate).
It is caused by low levels of vitamin B12 or folic acid, often due to poor diet, digestive issues or certain medical conditions that impact vitamin absorption.
Symptoms include pale skin, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, tingling in hands and feet, and developmental delays in severe cases.
Diagnosis involves blood tests such as hemoglobin levels, CBC (complete blood count), peripheral smear and additional tests for vitamin B12, folate and iron levels.
Treatment includes vitamin B12 or folic acid supplements, managing any underlying digestive issues.
Foods rich in folate and B12, such as dark leafy greens, meat, dairy, eggs, citrus fruits, beans and fortified cereals, can help prevent this type of anemia.
Complications can include developmental delays, neurological issues, seizures, fatigue and growth problems.
Yes, in some cases, children can inherit conditions that affect the body’s ability to absorb folate or B12, leading to vitamin deficiency anemia.
Recovery depends on the severity of the anemia, but most children start improving within weeks of proper treatment with vitamin supplements.
If your child shows signs of fatigue, pale skin, poor appetite or any symptoms associated with anemia, consult a pediatrician immediately. A pediatric hematologist is the best specialist to plan and guide the appropriate treatment, ensuring your child receives expert care for managing the condition.
Author: Dr. Srikanth Marda
Consultant Pediatric Oncologist and Hematologist