Question

A condition in which inadequate intake of vitamin b12 or folic acid causes production of large abnormal red blood cells is called

Answer 1

The correct answer is "megaloblastic anemia".

In the event of deficiency of folic acid and/or vitamin B12, there will be inhibition of DNA synthesis in red blood cell precursors as well as other cells in the myeloid lineage. This results to continuous cell growth without cell division leading to large, immature red blood cells (hence the term megaloblastic) with low hemoglobin levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency particularly causes neuropathic symptoms such as neuropathic pain and numbness.

If megaloblastic anemia is caused by the resection of the portion of stomach that produces the intrinsic factor (important in the absorption of vitamin B12), then the condition is called pernicious anemia.