The foods that contain Vitamin B12 are meat and dairy products. However except in strict vegetarians, this disorder is not a result of not eating enough of these foods.

Rather, Pernicious Anemia results from the failure of the digestive tract to absorb Vitamin B-12.

After being ingested, B-12 binds with a protein called Intrinsic factor, which is secreted by parietal cells which line part of the stomach.

Without Intrinsic factor, Vitamin B-12 remains in the intestine and is excreted into the stool.

In Pernicious Anemia, the stomach doesn't produce intrinsic factor; Vitamin b-12 isn't absorbed and anemia develops even if large amounts of the vitamin are consumed.

B-12 Anemia doesn't develop until 2 to 4 years after the body stops absorbing the B-12.

This condition is NOT common and occurs typically in older people over 50. It is seen most often in individuals of Northern European extraction.

To check for Pernicious Anemia, your physician can perform various blood tests. One test measures the amount of B-12 in your blood. Others test

Whether you have antibodies to your Intrinsic factor and or Parietal cells.

This chronic disease progresses slowly but steadily if not treated!

Symptoms to look for are:

WEAKNESS especially in arms and legs

SORE TONGUE

NAUSEA

APETITE LOSS

BLEEDING GUMS

NUMBNESS & TINGLING in hands and feet

CLUMSINESS

PALE LIPS

PALE GUMS AND TONGUE

YELLOW EYES AND SKIN

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

DEPRESSION

CONFUSION & DEMENTIA

HEADACHE

POOR MEMORY

One of the most unusual symptoms of this disorder, which happens occasionally, is bizarre color blindness where the person cannot differentiate between yellow and blue.

Replacement Therapy with adequate amounts of

B-12 corrects the deficiency and allows a normal life. However if the condition progresses for a long time before detection, it may cause damage to the nervous system.

The treatment of Pernicious Anemia consists of replacing B-12.

Because most people who have this deficiency can't absorb B-12 taken by mouth, they must take it by injection. People who have this deficiency must take these injections monthly for life!

A small price to pay when you consider brain damage & death as your options!

AFTER THOUGHT!

HELLO readers! My name is Cynthia and I am the demented soul who created all these wacky and informative websites! I believe laughter is the best medicine.

Along with several other delightful autoimmune conditions I was diagnosed with Pernicious anemia as well.

I do not fit the snug statistical prototype of this condition.

I am 41 years old and have Microcytic (smaller then normal) cells due to having a rare genetically transmitted disorder called Cooley's Anemia. Usually with Pernicious Anemia the cells become Macrocytic (larger then normal) NOT I.

It took them several years to uncover this! I had to begin to show neurological symptoms before they became suspicious!

They were rather shocked when they uncovered a very low b_12 level and antibodies to both my parietal cells and Intrinsic factor.

So never assume anything! Ask your doctor's questions! If you feel you're sick, almost always you are!

Keep plugging some things takes time to brew! Understand that you and your doctor are partners! Find a doctor you can confide in! It is important!

If you have any questions E-mail me! You can also come to our chat room. Click the button and join others who are interested in this condition! PLEASE check out my homepage and surf through the rest of my medical sites!

GOD BLESS YA!