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 (see small intestine disorders in the digestive tract section). 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, which can develop in late adolescence. They develop so-called pernicious anaemia. It is effectively treated by injections of vitamin B12.
 
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