Treatment for pernicious anemia is by supplementation of vitamin B12 orally or by injection, in addition to the consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12.
Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia characterized by decreased vitamin B12 concentration in the blood due to changes in the absorption and use of this vitamin, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, pallor and fatigue, 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 advice of the nutritionist, being recommended the consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12. 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 foods richer in vitamin B12.
In addition to the consumption of foods rich in this vitamin, it may also be recommended to inject vitamin B12 or oral intake of the vitamin. The treatment is usually done for 1 month, usually enough to resolve the anemia and, consequently, the 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 low vitamin absorption.
In more severe cases, treatment may be initiated with vitamin B12 injections into the muscle, prior to supplementation. 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
The symptoms of pernicious anemia tend to improve a few days after the beginning of the treatment, being noticed decrease of fatigue, increase of the appetite, diminution of the crises of change of mood and strength of the 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, feeling of shortness of breath and tingling sensation in various parts of the body.
