Pernicious anaemia is a disease due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is found mainly in foods of animal origin. If the cause of pernicious anaemia can not be corrected, then the vitamin must be administered artificially via the bloodstream. Vitamin tablets that must be absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract do not help if there is a lack of intrinsic factor (they are useful for vegans). Symptoms can be relieved by regular vitamin B12 injections. Treatment needs to be life-long.
