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pernicious anemia.

Question

pernicious anemia.

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Solution

Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that happens when the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 from the diet. This can be due to a lack of a protein called intrinsic factor in the stomach, which is needed for vitamin B12 absorption.

Here are the steps of how it develops:

  1. In a healthy body, the stomach produces a protein called intrinsic factor. This protein binds to the vitamin B12 that we consume in our diet.

  2. This combination of intrinsic factor and vitamin B12 travels to the small intestine, where it is absorbed into the body.

  3. In the case of pernicious anemia, the body doesn't produce enough intrinsic factor, or it can't properly use the intrinsic factor it does produce. This means that vitamin B12 can't be absorbed, no matter how much is consumed.

  4. Without vitamin B12, the body can't produce enough red blood cells. This leads to anemia, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

  5. Pernicious anemia is usually treated with vitamin B12 injections or high-dose oral supplements to bypass the need for intrinsic factor. With treatment, most people can manage their symptoms and live healthy lives.

  6. If left untreated, pernicious anemia can lead to serious complications, including heart problems and damage to the nervous system.

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Pernicious anemia is related to the inadequate production of the ______ required for vitamin B-12 absorption.Multiple choice question.pernicious factorintrinsic factorhomocysteineS-adenosyl methionine

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