Shortage of blood means erythrocytes or red blood cells will not be produced in the correct quantity.
The anomaly can be rectified with diets. Specifically, diets containing large amount of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin).
Studies show that some cases of Vitamin B12 anemic condition can lead to permanent brain damage.
The good news however, is vitamin B12 is present in almost all varieties of foods.
So long as you eat meat regularly, even just once a week, you are getting vitamin B12 in your diet.
Eggs, cheese, and dairy products are other examples of foods that contain this essential nutrient.
For vegetarians, fortified cereals and soy products offer plenty of vitamin B12.
But tarry a while, experts say the class of people most susceptible to low level of vitamin B12 intake are vegetarians.
The reason?
These people do not eat any kind of animal products. And some, apart from their disdain of animal products, do not eat fortified grains or cereals.
It is highly recommended that vegetarians should take vitamin B12 supplements regularly to compensate for its absence in their diets.
Don't be among those who live under the illusion that certain vegetables have vitamin B12. The fact is only one plant has been proven to have a form of vitamin B12 that can be utilized by humans.
That plant is a Chinese herb known as Dang Guy. And it is not available in appreciable quantity everywhere.
So most vegetarians don't really have any option than to take supplements.
The decision to change your diet to that of a vegetarian is not one only you can make. It's a good idea to talk it over with your physician.
If you've been a vegetarian for sometime and haven't had a medical check up and a blood test, then it's about time you go in for one as soon as possible, even if you are feeling fine.
This is because vitamin B12 deficiency can take years to develop, and by the time you start to experience the anemia symptoms, you might already be in danger of permanent brain damage.
People, who due to surgery have had parts of their stomach removed are also very susceptible to deficiency of vitamin B12.
The parietal cells in your stomach (the same one that produces the acid which aids digestion) also produces a glycoprotein called "intrinsic factor". This "factor" must be present in the body for vitamin B12 to be absorbed.
In the absence of the intrinsic factor, you will require diets that contain a large quantity of vitamin B12 to avoid anemia.
People in this situation should also take vitamin B12 rich foods like liver for instance, to get the right amount of the nutrient.
If these suggestions don't appeal to you, then you can take vitamin B12 injections.
