“What is the likely cause(s) of having both B12 anemia and iron deficiency anemia simultaneously?”
I am a 49 year old woman with RA - and have recently been diagnosed with HF PEF (January). What is the likely cause(s) of having both B12 anemia and iron deficiency anemia simultaneously - despite daily supplements of both - in addition to 5 x B12 injections since January?
Female | 49 years old
Complaint duration: 8 months
Conditions: RA, CHF
4 Answers
A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can lead to Iron deficiency anemia. Now, the question is what and why you are having anemia? It could be due to absorption from the GI system or could be a problem of your intrinsic factor production, or could be due to bleeding, and finally, it could be a problem of red blood cell in the bone marrow. Your health care provider should investigate the causes by sending blood to the lab. and do more analysis. The combination of products that contains mineral (Iron) along with vitamin C, vitamin B12, and folic acid can help to restore your anemia. However, the etiologic factor (Cause), needs to be diagnosed by your health care provider. Thank you.
Both are caused by inadequate dietary intake. Iron deficiency anemia can be exacerbated by menstruation if your are still menstruating. A low B12 level can cause pernicious anemia which may look like iron deficiency. Iron supplements should work . Your physician should also check to se that you are not losing blood in your stool. If you do not respond to these treatments you should see a hematologist.
If you are receiving B12 injections it is virtually impossible (unless very rare disease) that you are still B12 deficient. Have serum B12 levels been checked after injections? What about iron studies and ferritin levels? If these have not been checked by your physician. I suggest seeing a competent hematologist.
This is unusual. You need to be referred to a hematologist. Your medications need to be examined, and you may need a bone marrow examination.
RB Thomas, MD
RB Thomas, MD
