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Vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) deficiency is a common cause of macrocytic anemia and has been implicated in a spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders.The role of B 12 deficiency in hyperhomocysteinemia and the promotion of atherosclerosis is only now being explored.itamin B 12 deficiency, therefore, can lead to increased levels of serum methylmalonic acid. In the second reaction, homocysteine is converted to methionine by using vitamin B 12 and folic acid as cofactors. In this reaction, a deficiency of vitamin B 12 or folic acid may lead to increased homocysteine levels.
People who have pernicious anemia can't absorb enough vitamin B12 from food. This is because they lack intrinsic (in-TRIN-sik) factor, a protein made in the stomach. A lack of this protein leads to vitamin B12 deficiency. Other conditions and factors also can cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Examples include infections, surgery, medicines, and diet. Technically, the term pernicious anemia refers to vitamin B12 deficiency due to a lack of intrinsic factor. Often though, vitamin B12 deficiency due to other causes also is called pernicious anemia. This article discusses pernicious anemia due to a lack of intrinsic factor and other causes.