[Severe macrocytic anaemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism in a vegan]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2015 Aug 10;177(33):V02150167.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Nutritional deficiency anaemia in vegans is common and usually due to lack of vitamin B12, as this vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal-based food products. In this case report we present a 39-year-old male vegan with severe macrocytic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency as well as secondary hyperparathyroidism due to severe vitamin D deficiency. We want to emphasize the importance of a detailed nutritional history for patients with anaemia, and the need for vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplements for people who comply with a vegan diet.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Macrocytic / drug therapy
  • Anemia, Macrocytic / etiology*
  • Diet, Vegan / adverse effects*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / drug therapy
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / etiology*
  • Male
  • Vitamin B 12 / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / etiology
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / etiology

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B 12