COPY: Megaloblastic Anemia and Vitamin Deficiencies

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What is the primary function of intrinsic factor (IF) in vitamin B12 absorption?

It transports vitamin B12 to the liver for storage.

It synthesizes vitamin B12 in the stomach.

It converts vitamin B12 into an active form for use in the body.

It facilitates the endocytosis of the B12-IF complex in the ileum. (correct)

Which condition primarily leads to vitamin B12 deficiency due to a lack of intrinsic factor?

Prolonged use of alcohol.

Pernicious anemia. (correct)

Dietary inadequacies in vegan diets.

Intestinal malabsorption syndromes.

What is a common cause of folate deficiency?

Inadequate dietary intake. (correct)

Autoimmune destruction of stomach cells.

Increased cognitive demand during adolescence.

Surgical removal of the ileum.

In which situation would increased folate requirements be most likely to occur?

During pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism by which drugs like methotrexate can lead to folate deficiency?

They inhibit dihydrofolate reductase, reducing folate supply. Signup and view all the answers

What leads to larger cells with fewer cell divisions in megaloblastic anaemia?

Failure of DNA synthesis due to inadequate dUMP/dTMP Signup and view all the answers

Which blood film feature is characteristic of megaloblastic anaemia?

Hypersegmented neutrophils with 7-8 lobes Signup and view all the answers

What is a common biochemical effect of inadequate folate levels?

Retardation of DNA synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT associated with megaloblastic anaemia?

Elevated platelet count Signup and view all the answers

Which step is inhibited in the development of megaloblastic anaemia?

Rate limiting step of folate metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary definition of anaemia?

A reduction of haemoglobin concentration below normal range. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following blood component counts can help differentiate between pure anaemia and pancytopenia?

Leucocyte and platelet counts Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is not directly involved in optimal blood cell production?

Vitamin D Signup and view all the answers

What is the RDA for adults regarding vitamin B12 intake?

2.4 μg Signup and view all the answers

Which food source has the highest vitamin B12 content per standard serving?

Beef liver Signup and view all the answers

What does a high reticulocyte count indicate?

A response to anaemia Signup and view all the answers

In the context of macrocytic anaemia, what is one major classification category?

Megaloblastic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is false regarding vitamin B12 absorption?

Vitamin B12 can be absorbed directly from plant sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical haemoglobin concentration range for adult males?

13.3-16.7 g/dL Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme conversion is NOT associated with vitamin B12?

Conversion of alanine to pyruvate Signup and view all the answers