A 34-year-old member asked:
How does pernicious anemia cause people to have achlorhydria?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 45 years experience
Common cause: Both pernicious anemia (inability to absorb vitamin b12) and achlorhydria (inability of the stomach to make acid) result from the same underlying problem -- autoimmune destruction of the inner mucosal lining of the stomach ("autoimmune atrohpic gastritis").
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Agos Lucaanswered
Specializes in Pathology
The other way around: Achlorhydria (lack of adequate gastric acid production and secretion) is one of the causes of pernicious anemia and not the other way around. Normal gastric acid is essential for adequate absorption of vitamin b-12. Vitamin b-12 deficiency in turn causes pernicious anemia.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
What are the causes of pernicious anemia?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Romeo Mandanasanswered
Hematology and Oncology 39 years experience
Autoimmune disease: Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease producing autoantibodies against intrinsic factor found in the lining of the stomach. This leads to lack of absorption of vitamin B12 which is important in making blood cells and for nourishment of the nervous system. Treatment would be by replacement of B12 via injections or absorption into the body by other means (nasal spray).
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 20, 2017
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