hi rick,
may be b/c of low vitamin b12 you developed anemia.mostly iron deficiency anemia in older age promt you for workup for colonic cancer.at this point we can not say it is colonic ca.its depend upone your age and other risk factor like your dietry habbit and family history etc.you can conatct your doc for further assesment and clarification.
i hope it will help you.
healthy red blood cells. These cells are the main transporters of oxygen to organs. If red blood cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then your body isn't getting enough oxygen. Symptoms of anemia -- like fatigue -- occur because organs aren't getting what they need to function properly.
Vitamin-deficiency anemia may occur when vitamin B-12 and folate are deficient. These two vitamins are needed to make red blood cells. Conditions leading to anemia caused by vitamin deficiency include:
Megaloblastic anemia: Vitamin B-12 or folate or both are deficient
Pernicious anemia: Poor vitamin B-12 absorption caused by conditions such as Crohn's disease, an intestinal parasite infection, surgical removal of part of the stomach or intestine, or infection with HIV
Dietary deficiency: Eating little or no meat may cause a lack vitamin B-12, while overcooking or eating too few vegetables may cause a folate dificiency
Other causes of vitamin deficiency: pregnancy, certain medications, alcohol abuse, intestinal diseases such as tropical sprue and celiac disease
During early pregnancy, sufficient folic acid can prevent the fetus from developing neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Well no! The anemia is due to low vitamin B12. Low intrinsic factor in gut that hampers absorption of B12, pernicious anemia, parasites in the gut, diet poor in Vit B12, Crohn;s disease, IBS, or poor metabolism by liver are the causes behind it. Please consult a doctor to rule these out. Take a diet rich in Vit B12 which should include meat and animal products, cheese, such as beef, liver, salmon, cod, and eggs. Take B12 supplements and breakfast cereals fortified with vitamin B12. Finding the cause is important.
Consult a gut specialist and a hematologist. Take care!