What is the Difference Between B12 Deficiency and Pernicious Anemia?

The main difference between B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia lies in their causes and the specific effects on the body.

B12 Deficiency:

Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough vitamin B12 to produce healthy red blood cells.
It can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in the diet or by certain medical conditions that affect the absorption of B12.
B12 deficiency is a worldwide problem, affecting an estimated 6% of the population and up to 20% of those aged more than 60 years.

Pernicious Anemia:

Pernicious anemia is a specific type of B12 deficiency anemia caused by an autoimmune condition that prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12.
It involves autoimmune inflammation in the stomach and the inability to absorb vitamin B12 in the small intestine.
Pernicious anemia is a rare condition, affecting 0.1% of the general population and 1.9% of people older than 60.
If left untreated, pernicious anemia can cause severe complications, including irreversible damage to the nervous system.

Both conditions can lead to similar symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, headaches, and weight loss. However, pernicious anemia typically affects people aged 60 to 80 of Northern European descent and can cause more severe complications if not treated. Treatment for pernicious anemia involves vitamin B12 injections to restore optimal levels, followed by continued injections or oral medications to maintain these levels.

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What is the Difference Between B12 Deficiency and Pernicious Anemia?

Comparative Table: B12 Deficiency vs Pernicious Anemia

The main difference between B12 deficiency and Pernicious Anemia is that B12 deficiency is a disorder due to insufficient vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the body, while Pernicious Anemia is an autoimmune disorder that leads to a deficiency in red blood cells caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in the blood. Here is a table comparing the two:

B12 Deficiency	Pernicious Anemia
A disorder due to insufficient vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the body	An autoimmune disorder that leads to a deficiency in red blood cells caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in the blood
A worldwide problem, with a higher prevalence in older individuals	More common in older individuals, but less prevalent than B12 deficiency
Can result from various causes, including dietary insufficiency and malabsorption	Primarily caused by the immune system destroying the cells responsible for producing intrinsic factor, which is necessary for B12 absorption
Common signs and symptoms include feeling tired and weak, tingling and numbness in hands and feet, and a bright red, smooth tongue	Common signs and symptoms are the same as B12 deficiency, but may also include additional autoimmune-related issues
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests, including serum B12 levels, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations	Diagnosis involves a family history and medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests and procedures, including tests for serum autoantibodies (anti-intrinsic factor and anti-parietal cell antibodies)
Treatment typically involves vitamin B12 supplementation, either through pills or injections, and dietary changes	Treatment is similar to B12 deficiency but may require life-long vitamin B12 replacement therapy

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.