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B12 deficiency anemia is a drop in the number of red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12 .
Vitamin B12 is essential for normal nervous system function and blood cell production. The main sources of vitamin B12 include meat, eggs, and dairy products. For vitamin B12 to be absorbed by the body, it must bind to intrinsic factor , a protein secreted by cells in the stomach.
Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
The risk factors are related to the causes.
Chapman IM. Nutritional disorders in the elderly. Med Clin North Am . Sept 2006; 90(5): 887-907.
Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1232.
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