B12 Anemia: What Is It?? (EASY BREAKDOWN)

20 Dec 2023 · 1 min

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The video explains that B12 (pernicious) anemia, also known as B12 anemia, occurs when stomach parietal cells fail to produce intrinsic factor, a protein essential for vitamin B12 absorption. Without intrinsic factor, the body cannot absorb enough B12, which is required for the production of healthy red blood cells (RBCs). Consequently, the RBCs that are produced are fewer, larger, and oval‑shaped (macrocytic) and may die prematurely. This reduction in functional RBCs impairs oxygen delivery throughout the body, leading to the clinical condition of pernicious anemia.

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B12 anemia, also called pernicious anemia, is when the parietal cells in the stomach aren't able to produce intrinsic factor, so the body isn't able to absorb vitamin B12. B12 is required to make red blood cells, and without vitamin B12 the body cannot make enough red blood cells to support the needs and functions of the body. The red blood cells that are made without enough vitamin B12 are large and oval shaped. They're fewer in number and sometimes they die sooner than healthy red blood. CE leaves less healthy red blood cells to circulate oxygen in the body, which leads to pernicious anemia.