Treatment for pernicious anemia is done by supplementing vitamin B12 orally or by injections, in addition to consuming foods rich in vitamin B12.
Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia characterized by a decrease in the concentration of vitamin B12 in the blood due to changes in the absorption and use of this vitamin, which results in symptoms such as weakness, pallor and tiredness, for example. Learn how to identify pernicious anemia.
What to eat in pernicious anemia
It is recommended that the person diagnosed with pernicious anemia have an adequate diet and according to the nutritionist's guidance, and the consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12 is recommended. The main foods recommended in this case are:
- Liver steak; Steamed seafood; Milk and cheese; Salmon; Egg; Soy milk.
See a more complete list of the foods richest in vitamin B12.
In addition to the consumption of foods rich in this vitamin, injection of vitamin B12 or oral intake of the vitamin may also be recommended. Treatment is usually done for 1 month, usually enough to resolve anemia and, consequently, symptoms. However, there are cases where it is necessary to maintain vitamin B12 supplementation for life, especially when it is not possible to identify a cause for the vitamin's low absorption.
In the most severe cases, treatment can be started with injections of vitamin B12 into the muscle, before supplementing. These injections should be done every day until vitamin B12 levels are normal.
Watch this video to find out how you can improve your diet:
Signs of improvement and worsening
Symptoms of pernicious anemia tend to improve a few days after the start of treatment, with decreased fatigue, increased appetite, decreased mood swings and strengthening of nails.
On the other hand, signs of worsening are more common when treatment is not started or when supplementation is not being done at the proper dosage. In such cases, symptoms may include weight loss, decreased libido, shortness of breath and tingling sensation in various parts of the body.
