Be sure to tell your physician if you have a close relative who has pernicious anemia. Blood tests can usually establish whether you have either of these vitamin deficiencies. If you do, the underlying cause usually can be determined only by further tests. Once your ability to absorb vitamin B12 through the digestive tract has been lost, it can never be regained. Treatment of pernicious anemia and other types of B12 deficiency consists of taking vitamin B12 for life.
Most physicians prefer to give the vitamin by injection.
However, an oral form of vitamin B12 is available. Problems with walking and balancing may take months to improve. if these symptoms existed a long time before treatment began, they may never disappear completely. Folic acid deficiency that is caused by an inadequate diet can be cleared up completely. At first, your physician may prescribe folic acid supplements. He or she will advise you on how to make sure that your diet contains adequate amounts of the vitamin.