Roberta Leong wrote, in part:

> B12 deficiency ("pernicious anemia") will cause serious problems
> if not addressed.

True, but pernicious anemia is only a type of B12 deficiency; they
are not the same thing.  If you have pernicious anemia, you could
take all the B12 pills and flesh foods you want, but they wouldn't
help. That is because pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of the
mysterious-sounding "intrinsic factor" which is a substance secreted
by the parietal cells of the stomach and which is required for
absorption of dietary B12.

However, B12 deficiency can also be caused by a long-standing
imbalance of the resident bacteria of the GI tract.  Some bacteria
make B12; others use it up.

You can find out if what you have is pernicious anemia or plain ol'
B12 deficiency by taking what is called a Schilling test.  It tests
your body's ability to absorb B12.

Good luck!

Carol