 The difference between B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia is actually not that severe. B12 deficiency is also present in pernicious anemia, but the cause is different. So intrinsic factor is needed to absorb the B12 from the distal ileum of the GI tract. If there is no intrinsic factor present in the distal ileum, then the B12 cannot be absorbed and that particular case scenario is called pernicious anemia. Where for typical or other causes of B12 deficiency, there might be other causes and that usually has to do with certain disorders of the GI system. For a full video on B12 deficiency, please check out my full YouTube video. Thanks for watching.