Treatment:

Treatment depends on the specific cause of B12 deficiency anemia.

Pernicious anemia requires lifelong vitamin B12 injections. People with anemia due to a lack of dietary vitamin B12 may be told to take vitamin supplements and follow a more balanced diet. Treatment may start with vitamin B12 injections.

Anemia caused by malabsorption is treated with vitamin B12 injections until the condition improves.

Expectations (prognosis):

Treatment for this form of anemia is usually effective.

Complications:

• The signs and symptoms related to the central nervous system may be irreversible if treatment is not begun within 6 months of when these symptoms begin.
• Vitamin B12 affects cells that form the outer surface of the body and line inner passageways (epithelial cells). Therefore, a lack of B12 may cause a falsely abnormal Pap smear.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have any of the symptoms of anemia.