What is Megaloblastic Anemia
Understand what megaloblastic anemia is and learn how to prevent it
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Megaloblastic anemia (from the Greek haima, blood; megalo, great; and blasts, immature cell) is a condition caused by a reduction in the number of normal red blood cells, which become large, immature and dysfunctional in the bone marrow.
Megaloblastic anemia occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid and the ingestion of drugs that impair DNA formation, such as some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs.
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Causes of megaloblastic anemia
The main cause of megaloblastic anemia is reduced DNA synthesis in the production of red blood cells. This reduction is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, which is responsible, in part, for the formation of hemoglobin and folic acid (vitamin B9) and has the function of helping in the synthesis of DNA. However, megaloblastic anemia can also be caused by genetic defects in DNA synthesis, toxins, and drug use, such as certain types of chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics. B12 deficiency can also be a consequence of low intake of this vitamin or difficulty in its absorption.
Diseases such as leukemia, myelofibrosis, multiple myeloma and hereditary diseases can also be the cause of megaloblastic anemia.
Signals and symptons
As with other types of anemia, in megaloblastic anemia the main signs and symptoms are:
- Appetite and weight loss;
- Weakness and tiredness;
- Accelerated heart;
- Abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea;
- Skin and hair changes;
- More sensitive mouth and tongue;
- Numbness in fingers;
- Premature birth or fetal malformation;
- Delayed growth and puberty (in children).
Diagnosis
To make the diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia, the physician or physician may request a blood count to analyze whether there has been a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, an increase in the size of the red blood cells, among other technical indicators of megaloblastic anemia.
In addition, serum levels of folate, vitamin B12, iron and HDL can also be measured.
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Treatment
The treatment of megaloblastic anemia varies depending on the cause of the disease. Injections or supplements of vitamin B12 and folic acid are usually given. Vitamin C intake is also important as it aids iron absorption.
How to prevent megaloblastic anemia?
To prevent megaloblastic anemia, it is necessary to keep the body nourished with vitamin B12 and folic acid. To do this, keep a diet rich in these substances or, if you are a strict vegetarian, supplement B12, as this vitamin is not found in foods of plant origin, only animal.
Pay attention to the concentration of B12 in supplements, because sometimes, just ingesting the amount of B12 recommended daily is not enough to actually absorb the necessary dose, so you need to consume a larger amount.
