Pernicious anemia is characterized by which of the following?

Pernicious anemia is specifically characterized by a deficiency of vitamin B12 due to the inability of the body to absorb this essential nutrient. This malabsorption is typically caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that is crucial for the absorption of vitamin B12. Without sufficient vitamin B12, the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is impaired, leading to a decrease in the number of mature erythrocytes. This ultimately results in anemia, as the body cannot produce the necessary amount of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively.

The absence of adequate vitamin B12 disrupts the normal process of red blood cell maturation, which contributes to the manifestation of symptoms associated with pernicious anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues. Thus, the correct characterization of pernicious anemia highlights the lack of mature erythrocytes due to the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12 effectively.