B12 Deficiency
Contents
Acceptability at Recruitment
QUALIFIED
Acceptability at CT / Work-Up
QUALIFIED
Individual at Risk
Donor / Recipient
Explanation of Condition
Deficiency of vitamin B12, which is vital for DNA synthesis within every cell. Severe deficiency typically results in anaemia with swollen red blood cells, and nervous system problems.
Deficiency may be dietary, or may due to failure of absorption. One such failure of absorption, pernicious anaemia, is an autoimmune disorder usually caused by the body attacking the lining of the stomach.
Other causes of malabsorption include coeliac disease, small bowel bacterial overgrowth and surgical removal of the stomach.
Guidance
Acceptable if due to stomach operation or dietary deficiency (e.g. vegan), and donor meets haemoglobin requirements (male >13g/dl, female >11g/dl). Recommend supplementation prior to donation.
See also:
Pseudonyms or Related Conditions
Megaloblastic Anaemia
Version
Version 1, Edition 2
Date of Last Update
1 June 2016
