An individual undergoes a weight-loss surgery in which the surgeons remove a quarter of the person's stomach. Two weeks after the surgery, the individual develops pernicious anemia. What is likely to have caused the development of this form of anemia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 which is essential for the production of red blood cells. The surgery that removes a quarter of the stomach can lead to a decrease in the amount of intrinsic factor, which is needed for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Therefore, inadequate absorption of vitamin B12 is likely to have caused the development of pernicious anemia.

An Individual Undergoes a Weight-Loss Surgery in Which the Surgeons