Enlarged red blood cell – A Dangerous Situation

Red blood cells are the most common blood cells present in the human body. They perform the function of delivering oxygen from the lungs to the different body tissues and vice-versa. Most of the vertebrae contain red blood cells. Red blood cells or RBCs are also known as erythrocytes.

Composition of RBCs

RBCs or erythrocytes mostly contain hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a complex molecule, which is made up of heme groups and iron atoms. The iron atoms link to oxygen molecule in the lungs or the gills and release them throughout the body. Along with oxygen, hemoglobin also carries some amount of waste carbon dioxide from the tissues. In mammals the red blood cells are anucleated when mature. In other words, a mature red blood cell of a mammal does not contain a nucleus and thus it does not contain DNA. Red blood cells are usually generated in the bone marrow of large bones.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin B12 may lead to enlarged red blood cells. This condition is termed as megaloblasts or megaloblastic anemia. This kind of disorder can be diagnosed through blood test and Schilling test. In this test the level of vitamin B12 is measured. Hence in order to bring the red blood cell size back to normal the patient who is suffering from this disorder is advised to have vitamin B12 supplements or foodstuffs that contain vitamin B12. Salmon, cod, cheese and eggs are rich in vitamin B12.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The symptoms of vitamin B12 anemia are caused mainly due to low oxygen level in the body. Breathlessness and tiredness are the most common symptoms of megaloblastic anemia. These symptoms are also accompanied with dizziness and headaches. The patient may also have weak or rapid pulse rate. The patient may palpitate and may contain irregular or strong heartbeats. His or her skin may turn pale. This deficiency may also cause neurological symptoms such as inflammation of nerves, confusion, poor concentration and forgetfulness. This may also be accompanied by loss of appetite, diarrhea and considerable weight loss. However, if this deficiency is curtailed at the initial level then it may not be very harmful to health.

Recommended Reading

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