Why May a Person Who Has Had a Gastrectomy (Removal

Question

Why may a person who has had a gastrectomy (removal of the stomach)develop pernicious anemia?
A) The lack of gastric hydrochloric acid causes myelosuppression.
B) Iron absorption is impaired.
C) A major source of erythropoietin has been removed.
D) Vitamin B12 absorption is impaired because of the lack of intrinsic factor.

Accepted Answer

Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, which is required for the formation of red blood cells. Intrinsic factor, which is produced by the cells in the lining of the stomach, is required for the absorption of vitamin B12. Since the stomach has been removed in gastrectomy, there is a lack of intrinsic factor, which impairs vitamin B12 absorption and leads to pernicious anemia.