Macrocytic Anaemia

Macrocytic anaemia means that the red blood cells are larger than usual. This usually happens as a result of a deficiency in either vitamin B12 or Folic acid. This may be because of inadequate intake (people following a strict vegan diet may be at risk) or in association with conditions that cause malabsorption of the vitamins, such as coeliac disease. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in a part of the small bowel - the terminal ileum - in conjunction with another chemical called intrinsic factor which is made in the stomach. In some patients this process is ineffective - they may not produce intrinsic factor, or the terminal ileum may be affected by Crohn’s disease. They develop so-called pernicious anaemia. It is effectively treated by injections of vitamin B12.
 
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