Sunday, May 31st 2026
Vitamin B12 deficiency may present with fatigue, pallor, dizziness, rapid heart rate and tingling in the hands and feet
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis is a chronic and progressive inflammation of the stomach, which leads to gradual damage to the parietal cells, responsible for the secretion of stomach acid.
As the disease progresses, the healthy mucosa of the stomach is replaced by atrophic and metaplastic tissue, which disrupts digestion and absorption of important nutrients, causing various health consequences.
How can gastritis affect the development of anemia?
Exactly for this reason, gastritis can be directly related to the development of anemia, especially pernicious anemia, which is caused by a lack of vitamin B12.
In autoimmune gastritis, the immune system creates antibodies that attack the parietal cells of the pancreas and the factor internal, essential protein for the absorption of vitamin B12. As a result, the secretion of lactic acid decreases and the absorption of cobalamin becomes difficult, which over time can lead to megaloblastic anemia, i.e. pernicious anemia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, pallor, rapid heartbeat, but also neurological symptoms, such as tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty concentrating and feeling instability.
Symptoms that may indicate gastritis and anemia
Symptoms of autoimmune gastritis often resemble other diseases of the digestive system, so the diagnosis may be delayed. The most common signs include:
general weakness and fatigue
• drowsiness and dizziness
• bloating and yawning
• heartburn and pain in the groin area
• feeling full after a small amount of food
• brittle nails and hair
• paleness and rapid fatigue.
In more severe cases, loss of appetite and weight loss may occur, which requires additional gastroenterological evaluation, Telegrafi reports.
Autoimmune gastritis is often associated with other diseases
This chronic and progressive inflammatory condition is often associated with other autoimmune diseases, especially with thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes and vitiligo. Due to the connection with disorders of the immune system, autoimmune gastritis can progress for years without clear symptoms.
During the disease, there is a gradual decrease in gastric acid production, while the increased level of gastrin can further promote changes in the gastric mucosa.
Atrophic gastritis can also be related to long-term infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which causes chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Prolonged mucosal damage increases the risk for vitamin absorption disorders and the development of anemia.
Experts warn that both forms of atrophic gastritis often remain underdiagnosed, because the symptoms for a long time can be mild and non-specific.
How is the diagnosis of autoimmune atrophic gastritis made?
The diagnosis is made through a combination of laboratory tests and examination of the lung. In addition to determining the level of vitamin B12, the analyzes of antibodies against intrinsic factor and parietal cells are also important.
Final confirmation of the disease is done with gastroscopy and biopsy of the stomach, as well as with pathohistological examination of the mucosa sample.
Treatment: Supplementation of vitamin B12 and change of habits
Treatment of autoimmune gastritis aims to prevent complications and supplement the vitamin B12, most often through intramuscular injections, to bypass the difficult absorption in the fight.
An important part of the treatment is also the regulation of food. It is recommended to avoid very spicy foods, very hot or very cold meals, as well as reducing stress and physical fatigue.
Source: prizrenpost
