What type of anemia occurs due to Vitamin B-9 deficiency?

Bihar CHO -2019

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

Vitamin B9 is also known as folate or folic acid.
A deficiency of Vitamin B9 directly causes an anemia specifically named 'folic acid deficiency anemia.'.
Morphologically, this anemia is classified as a 'megaloblastic anemia' because the lack of folate impairs DNA synthesis, resulting in large, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts).
Since both terms accurately describe the condition, the most comprehensive answer is that both are correct.

Option A: While this is a correct name for the condition, it is not the most complete answer available. The anemia is also classified as megaloblastic (Option B), making the 'Both a&b' option a superior and more comprehensive choice.
Option B: While this is a correct morphological classification for the anemia, it is not the most complete answer. The specific cause gives it the name 'folic acid deficiency anemia' (Option A), making the 'Both a&b' option a superior and more comprehensive choice.
Option C: This is incorrect. Pernicious anemia is a specific type of megaloblastic anemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, which results from an autoimmune condition leading to a lack of intrinsic factor for B12 absorption.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional Anemias: Vitamin B9 (Folate) Deficiency as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility is to educate patients on dietary sources of folate, such as leafy green vegetables, fruits, and fortified grains, to prevent deficiency.
It is critical to differentiate between folate and Vitamin B12 deficiency. Administering folic acid to a patient with an undiagnosed Vitamin B12 deficiency can correct the anemia but will not stop the progression of irreversible neurological damage.
What if? If a patient with megaloblastic anemia also presented with paresthesia (numbness and tingling) in their feet, the priority would shift to investigating a Vitamin B12 deficiency, as neurological symptoms are characteristic of B12 deficiency but absent in folate deficiency.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Vitamin B-9 deficiency'.
Recall the common names for Vitamin B9, which are folate and folic acid.
Connect the deficiency to its specific name: 'Folic acid deficiency anemia'.
Recall the cellular-level effect of this deficiency: it impairs DNA synthesis, leading to large, immature red blood cells. This is the definition of 'megaloblastic anemia'.
Evaluate the options. Since both 'Folic acid deficiency anemia' and 'Megaloblastic anemia' are correct descriptions, the option 'Both a&b' is the most complete and therefore the best answer.
Rule out 'Pernicious anemia' by recalling it is caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, not B9 deficiency.

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