Megaloblastic Anaemia

Find a nutritionist dealing with Megaloblastic Anaemia »

The term 'megaloblastic anaemia' incorporates two different types of anaemia:

1. B-12 deficiency anaemia.

2. Folate deficiency anaemia. 

Both of these types of anaemia are caused by ineffective red blood cells as opposed to a lack of blood cells, as is the case with iron deficiency anaemia. 

Megaloblastic anaemia is less common than iron deficiency anaemia. 

B-12 deficiency anaemia

B-12 deficiency anaemia is thought to be a type of ‘megaloblastic anaemia’ along with folate deficiency anaemia. This type of anaemia is a result of a deficiency in vitamin B-12 and causes red blood cells to become larger, sparser and less efficient at carrying oxygen.

B-12 vitamin is very similar to folate (vitamin B-9). They both play an important part in the formation of red blood cells.

B-12 is structurally the most complex of all vitamin molecules and carries out a number of functions additional to red blood cell formation. One other purpose of B-12 is to help maintain a healthy nervous system.  This explains why a deficiency in the B-12 vitamin can cause numbness or altered sensation.

What causes B-12 deficiency anaemia?

The most likely cause of B-12 deficiency anaemia is pernicious anaemia. Pernicious anaemia is a condition that restricts the absorption of vitamin B-12 into the body from the gastro-intestinal tract, leading to a deficiency in vitamin B-12. Pernicious anaemia only affects 1 out of every 10,000 people in northern Europe¹.

Another likely cause could be diet. Vegans tend to be deficient in B-12 because the vitamin is only found in animal produce.

What are the symptoms of B-12 deficiency anaemia?

• yellowish tinge to the skin known as jaundice
• ulcers inside the mouth
• altered or reduced sense of touch
• disturbed vision
• sore, red tongue- this is known as glossitis
• psychosis- an altered state of mind affecting the way you think, feel and behave
• dementia- a long-term decline in certain mental abilities such as memory, judgment and understanding
• feeling irritable
• noticeable change in movements, such as walking about
• reduced ability to feel pain
• tingling, numbness and a burning in the arms, hands, feet and legs.

How can diet help B-12 deficiency anaemia?

Vegans (people who don’t eat any type of animal produce) are thought to be more likely to become B-12 deficient because B-12 is only found in animal produce. 

B-12 is found in the following foods:

• meat
• eggs
• dairy- milk, yoghurt, cream, cheese etc.

Folate deficiency anaemia 

Folate deficiency anaemia, (otherwise known as vitamin B-9) is also categorised as a ‘megaloblastic anaemia’ because it plays a similar role to B-12 in forming red blood cells. When there is a deficiency in folate, the blood cells become larger, sparser and less able to carry oxygen.

Folate deficiency anaemia causes

One cause of folate deficiency anaemia is thought to be poor diet. Although the body is able to store vitamin B12 in the liver for 3-5 years, folate can only be stored for a matter of months. This means that folate must be consumed in some form every day in order to replenish stocks. Other possible causes could include:

• Pregnancy - the growing baby requires plenty of folate, therefore the mother must compensate by consuming more.

• Medicines - certain medication for conditions such as epilepsy and arthritis can interfere negatively with folate levels.

• Digestive disorders - some conditions affecting the digestive system such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease can prevent the absorption of folate into the body.

• Alcohol - drinking too much alcohol can reduce the body’s ability to use folate.

What are the symptoms of folate deficiency anaemia?

• tiredness
• breathlessness even after very mild exercise
• heart palpitations (being very aware of the feeling of your heart beating in your chest)
• depression, or other changes to emotional state.

How can diet affect folate deficiency anaemia?

The daily recommendation for folate consumption for adults is 0.2mg (200 micrograms). Good sources of folate include:

• broccoli
• brussels sprouts
• peas
• asparagus
• brown rice
• chick peas
• spinach
• curly kale
• watercress
• citrus fruits
• liver
• fortified bread
• fortified cereal.

All content displayed on Nutritionist Resource is provided for general information purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for advice given by your GP or any other healthcare professional. Whilst some people have benefited from nutritional therapy, no claims can be made to treat, cure or heal specific conditions, and we strongly advise individuals with any health problem to seek independent medical advice from their GP before considering nutritional therapy.