A folic acid deficiency could lead to which of the following? A Beriberi B Pellagra C Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome D Macrocytic anemia
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Macrocytic anemia.
Explanation:
Folic acid deficiency primarily leads to macrocytic anemia, also called megaloblastic anemia. This type of anemia is characterized by the presence of abnormally large red blood cells (macrocytes) and impaired DNA synthesis, which affects the proper formation and maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Why folic acid deficiency causes macrocytic anemia:
- Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is essential for the synthesis of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA.
- Without enough folic acid, DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells—like those in the bone marrow that produce red blood cells—is impaired.
- This results in cells that grow larger than normal but cannot divide properly, leading to large, immature red blood cells (macrocytes or megaloblasts).
- These abnormal cells are less efficient at carrying oxygen, causing symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath.
Explanation of other options:
- A. Beriberi
Caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, not folic acid. Beriberi affects the cardiovascular system (wet beriberi) and the nervous system (dry beriberi). - B. Pellagra
Caused by niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency. It is characterized by the “3 Ds”: dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. - C. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Results from thiamine deficiency, often linked to chronic alcoholism. It causes neurological symptoms including confusion, memory loss, and ataxia.
Additional notes:
- Folic acid deficiency is particularly important to diagnose and treat in pregnant women because it can cause neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
- It is also important to distinguish folic acid deficiency from vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause similar macrocytic anemia but also leads to neurological symptoms.