Pernicious anemia is a condition where there is reduced red blood cell (RBC) production in the bone marrow due to lack of sufficient Vitamin B 12. Pernicious anemia occurs when the body is unable to absorb Vitamin B12. This is due to lack of an ‘intrinsic factor’ (IF), a protein which helps in absorbing Vitamin B12 from the alimentary system.

- Women more than men. - Elderly (average age 60 years). - Scandinavians & North Europeans - Occasionally one type of the disorder is seen in children.

- Production of red blood cells - Growth and development of children - Maintenance of the nervous system

The human body cannot prepare Vitamin B12. The Vitamin B12 obtained from foods is absorbed in the alimentary system. Without the intrinsic factor produced by the inner lining of the stomach, it is impossible for the body to absorb any Vitamin B12.

Cells called ‘parietal cells’ present in the stomach (gastric) mucosa produce the intrinsic factor. Thus, loss of these parietal cells over a prolonged period of time inevitably causes Vitamin B12 deficiency and malabsorption anemia.

Auto-immune (the body’s defence cells erroneously destroying the body’s own cells) antibodies have been identified which cause impaired binding of the intrinsic factor & Vitamin B12. Antibodies are also directed towards the parietal cells thus destroying them.