Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 29 : Vitamin B12

Pernicious anemia

The signs and symptoms of pernicious anaemia are as follows:

• Low RBC count.
• The nucleated red cells of the marrow are greatly increased.
• Atrophy of cells which secrete acid and enzymes.
• The gastric secretions are devoid of acid, pepsin and intrinsic factor.
• Soreness and inflammation of the tongue.

Neurological symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include progressive neuropathy with demyelination of the peripheral nerves advancing to the central nervous system. Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, stiffness and weakness in the legs and an unsteady gait are often observed. In the elderly. Vitamin B12 deficiency is also characterized by mental disorientation, memory loss and yellowish tint to the skin due to concurrent anaemia and jaundice.

Mucous membrane of the mouth