How to interpret folate tests: Folate can be directly tested with a serum folate test or a red blood cell (RBC) folate test
Pernicious anaemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12, due to atrophic gastritis, an autoimmune condition (immune system destroys self), in this case the parietal cells of the stomach that produce intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein that binds to vitamin B12 in the stomach and is essential for normal absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine into the blood
B12 deficiency can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, cognitive changes, peripheral neuropathy (pins and needles), and anaemia
Elderly patients on long-term PPIs should have their B12 status monitored periodically and may require injectable B12 if deficiency develops
Those are the quick numbers
The clinical results are frankly remarkable