The enlarged red blood cells are not fully developed and do not function the way they should.
This causes diminished oxygen delivery to all cells of the body, resulting in fatigue and low energy.
Sometimes long-term prevention is necessary with diet or supplements or with other lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding alcohol.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Types of Macrocytic Anemia
Macrocytic anemia is characterized bymacrocytosis, which is large red blood cells.
Types of macrocytic anemia are categorized by the shape of the red blood cells.
Macrocytic anemia usually develops slowly over time.
Red blood cells normally circulate for several months before the body naturally breaks them down and makes new ones.
This causes nonspecific symptoms that can progressively worsen.
They can be indicators that you are developing anemiawhich is a diminished red blood cell number or function.
Causes of Macrocytic Anemia
There are several causes of macrocytic anemia.
This makes the cell large, but not properly functional.
You might have other signs that are associated with the underlying cause.
However, these physical signs develop at late stages, and macrocytic anemia can develop before these changes.
Another important component of the diagnosis is the determination of the underlying cause.
Testing for the cause is guided by risk factors and other signs or symptoms.
Other diagnostic tests you might have will be tailored to your situation.
Treatment and prevention are closely linked together.
Prognosis: What to Expect
Generally, macrocytic anemia is expected to improve with treatment.
It can take weeks or longer for symptoms to resolve and for the blood tests to normalize.
It can be diagnosed with blood tests.
The treatment is focused on the management of the underlying condition.
The effects are vague and can develop due to many different reasons.
Once you know the cause of your symptoms, you could get started on your treatment.
Green R, Datta Mitra A.Megaloblastic anemias: Nutritional and other causes.Med Clin North Am.
2021;14(2):161-169. doi:10.1111/jebm.12435
