Cause 7. Age: An Inescapable Factor
Age is an inescapable factor that contributes to the development of pernicious anemia. As individuals age, their risk of developing this condition increases, primarily due to a gradual decline in the body’s ability to absorb and utilize vitamin B12 effectively. Several age-related changes can impact vitamin B12 levels and contribute to the onset of pernicious anemia.
One common age-related change that can affect vitamin B12 absorption is a decrease in stomach acid production. Stomach acid is essential for releasing vitamin B12 from the proteins in food and allowing it to bind to intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine. As stomach acid production declines with age, the ability to extract and absorb vitamin B12 from dietary sources becomes compromised, increasing the risk of deficiency and pernicious anemia.
Another age-related factor contributing to pernicious anemia is the increased prevalence of atrophic gastritis in older individuals. This condition involves chronic inflammation and thinning of the stomach lining, which can impair the production of intrinsic factor and stomach acid. As a result, vitamin B12 absorption becomes hindered, leading to a deficiency and the development of pernicious anemia.
To prevent and manage pernicious anemia in older adults, healthcare providers should closely monitor vitamin B12 levels and provide appropriate supplementation as needed. This may include oral, injectable, or nasal forms of vitamin B12, depending on the individual’s ability to absorb the vitamin and the severity of the deficiency. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help identify early signs of pernicious anemia and address the condition before it progresses to more severe stages. (7)
