Is there a link between a vegetarian diet and pernicious anaemia?

I have enjoyed a vegetarian diet for many years. I'm now in my sixties and have been diagnosed as having pernicious anaemia. Is there a connection between diet and this illness? The three monthly injections are sore. Is there a food supplement I can take?

I won't be eating meat again regardless of the consequences.Is there a link between a vegetarian diet and pernicious anaemia?
Do to age and or genetics your stomach is no longer able to absorb B12. Eating large amounts of nutritional yeast, eggs, or even meat wouldn't correct this problem.



From NIH website. ----

"Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein produced by the stomach that binds to vitamin B12. The combination of vitamin B12 and intrinsic factor is absorbed in the lower part of the small intestine. When the stomach does not make enough intrinsic factor, the intestine cannot properly absorb vitamin B12."

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/鈥?/a>
it seems like a b-12 deficiency. try taking a supplement.

good luckIs there a link between a vegetarian diet and pernicious anaemia?
I would suggest taking a vitamin b-12. you can get those anywhere, rite aid, target, costco
B12 deficiency is common in veggies, as they reduce the amount of animal products, which are full of b12. But you could also have a deficiency of folic acid. Try eating oranges and peas more, or consider taking a supplement.Is there a link between a vegetarian diet and pernicious anaemia?
You need animal products to get adequate B-12, also, when you get older the transport system in your gut to move B-12 to your blood system dimishes. Try taking a supplement (1000 micrograms) daily for a few weeks, if that does not do anything, you may have to get shots (like a few times a yr)
I would strongly suggest that you take a whole food B-12 supplement and probiotics while drinking green smoothies.



A green smoothie is where you blend greens (spinach, lettuce, collards) with your fruit smoothie. They are super nutritious and delicious. You get the nutrition of the veggies and the fruit while drinking a tasty fruit smoothie!



Doctors are finding that B-12 is created by good bacteria in the gut. That bacteria can be wiped out with antibiotics, soda, or even city water!



The good bacteria really likes the blended up greens. I have heard of many people who are deficient in B-12 who drink green smoothies every day for a couple months have gotten their B-12 levels up naturally. Of course, make sure to pass everything through your doctor.



Here are just a couple tasty recipes.



Berry Greens

1 large banana, ripe

1 cup blueberries, frozen

1/2 cup strawberries, frozen

5 oz spinach, fresh

1 1/2 cups pure water



Pure water in first. Then place the banana closest to the blade with the rest of the ingredients on top. Blend until smooth.



Tropical Greens

1 large banana, ripe and peeled

3/4 cup pineapple, fresh or canned

8 oz spinach, fresh

1 cup mango, frozen

4 ice cubes

1 packet of stevia

1 cup pure water



Pour water in first. Then place the banana and pineapple closest to the blade with the rest of the ingredients on top. Blend until smooth.

1-2 servings



I hope that you find what you need!
Age is probably the most significant factor with you having PA. Unfortunately, as the gastric lining gets older, B12 is absorbed less readily, for various reasons, not least of being less intrinsic factor being manufactured, which can lead to B12 defeciency.



Of course, if you are a vegetarian and consuming inadequate B12, it can very much look like PA if testing isn't specifically done and the diagnosis is made only on the presence of certain blood cell types (megaloblastic anemia). PA is specifically the lack of ability to absorb B12 despite adequate amounts in the diet, whether or not blood levels indicate related anemia.



Megadosing of B12 is another option, but not one that is commonly or widely accepted. The shots are much more reliable, especially if the issue is truly due to gastric inability to absorb the B12.



You should discuss this with your doctor, as there is no way to know your complete medical history over the internet.



:) Good luck
In the 1930麓s my grandfather took dripping sandwiches to work each day. That is definitely not vegetarian, but he got pernicious aenemia.

He was one of the first people to be cured of this once fatal illness. These days it is curable.
No, there isn't a link. Pernicious anaemia is due to a lack of Vitamin B12 in your diet. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in meat but also milk and eggs. That is why sometimes Vegans can sometimes have a Vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are a vegetarian you should have no problem whatsoever getting Vitamin B12.



Marmite is a good source of Vitamin B12, have 2 servings a day. (It depends whether you like that stuff though!)