disease interaction(s) of vitamin B12 deficiency with iron deficiency anemia

Introduction

Interactions:

• low serum vitamin B12 is found in 18 % of patients with iron deficiency anemia & vitamin B12 deficiency can be demonstrated in many of these patients
• age > 60 years is a risk factor for combined deficiency

Laboratory

• erythrocyte indices are not reliable with combined vitamin B12 deficiency & iron deficiency anemia
  • erythrocytes may appear normocytic, normochromic on peripheral smear
  • MCV may be normal

More general terms

• disease interaction