Folate and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Quiz

Which condition is primarily responsible for impaired absorption of Vitamin B12?

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency typically manifest immediately due to the body's small storage capacity of this vitamin.

What type of anemia is characterized by large, immature RBCs due to impaired DNA synthesis?

Folate is essential for converting deoxyuridine into __________, which is crucial for DNA synthesis.

Match the following sources with their type:

What is one cause of folate deficiency?

Folate supplementation is not necessary during pregnancy.

What is the primary role of folate in the body?

A deficiency in folate can lead to __________ anamia, where RBCs become large and immature.

Match the following sources of dietary folate with their descriptions:

Folate Deficiency

Folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anaemia, with large and immature RBCs.
Common causes include dietary insufficiency, malabsorption, increased folate demand, and alcoholism.
Folate is crucial during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.

Folate's Role in RBCs

Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and amino acid interconversions.
It converts deoxyuridine to thymidine, crucial for cell replication, particularly in the bone marrow.
Folate participates in the methionine cycle, helping convert homocysteine to methionine.
Daily recommended intake is 400ug, increasing during pregnancy and lactation.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Leads to megaloblastic anaemia with large, immature RBCs due to impaired DNA synthesis.
Neurological symptoms include peripheral neuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.
Causes include pernicious anaemia, malabsorption, and dietary deficiency.

Interaction Between Folate and Vitamin B12

Both work interdependently in the methionine synthase reaction, converting homocysteine to methionine.
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor, while folate provides the methyl group.
Deficiency in either vitamin disrupts the reaction, leading to homocysteine accumulation.
In Vitamin B12 deficiency, folate becomes functionally deficient, trapped as methyl-THF.

Anaemia Classification Based on MCV

Anaemia refers to a reduction in Hb concentration below normal for age and sex.
Classified based on Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV):
Microcytic Anaemia
- RBCs smaller than normal.
- Causes include iron deficiency, thalassaemia, and anaemia of chronic inflammation.
Normocytic Anaemia
- RBCs normal size, but insufficient number.
- Causes include acute blood loss, anaemia of chronic disease, and renal failure.
Macrocytic Anaemia
- RBCs larger than normal.

Test your knowledge on folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies, their causes, effects, and dietary recommendations. Understand the crucial role they play in preventing megaloblastic anemia and maintaining overall health, especially during pregnancy. This quiz highlights the significance of these vitamins in DNA synthesis and cellular processes.