Hemolytic anemia: It occurs when red blood cells are destroyed more rapidly than normal. The cause may be hereditary or one of a variety of diseases, including leukemia and other cancers, abnormal spleen function, autoimmune disorders, and severe hypertension.
Pernicious Anemia/Megaloblastic Anemia: It is a type of anemia that is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, which is necessary to make red blood cells. Stomach acid releases B12 from protein in food. The vitamin then binds to a substance called intrinsic factor that enables B12 to be absorbed in the bloodstream. This means that you can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency if your stomach produces an insufficient amount of acid.
Older adults may need supplements. Up to one-third of older adults produce inadequate amounts of stomach acid and can no longer properly absorb vitamin B12 from food. People over 50 may have to meet their vitamin B12 need by consuming food fortified with B12 or by taking a supplement containing B12. Vitamin B12 is found only in animal products and strict vegetarians are at risk and should consume fortified foods and/or take a supplement. Nitrous oxide (Laughing gas) interferes with B12 metabolism and people who abuse this substance in search of a “high” have shown signs of B12 deficiency, which were reversed when supplements were administered.
Few Words of Caution: Do not take iron supplements unless you have had a blood test to confirm an iron deficiency. Excess iron can be dangerous. It is estimated that as much as 10 percent of the population suffers from undiagnosed hemochromatosis, or “iron overload” disease. For these people iron supplements can have catastrophic results.
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