Nutrition and Anemia Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the most common cause of nutrition-related anemia?

  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Iron deficiency (correct)
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Folic acid deficiency
  • Which of the following stages do red blood cells enter immediately after being classified as erythroblasts?

  • Hemoglobin
  • Erythrocytes
  • Reticulocytes (correct)
  • Proerythroblasts
  • Which of the following substances is NOT essential for the development of red blood cells?

  • Iron
  • Calcium (correct)
  • Vitamin B12
  • Erythropoietin
  • What percentage of the body's iron is found in hemoglobin?

    <p>70% to 80%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anemia results if any of which of the following factors is absent or amiss?

    <p>Iron for hemoglobin synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which location do red blood cells begin to develop?

    <p>Bone marrow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of anemia is primarily caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12?

    <p>Megaloblastic anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many people are estimated to be iron deficient worldwide?

    <p>Hundreds of millions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Megaloblastic anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following compounds is required for the absorption of vitamin B12?

    <p>Intrinsic factor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following laboratory findings is indicative of iron deficiency anemia?

    <p>Decreased serum iron content</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does vitamin B12 play in DNA synthesis?

    <p>It activates folic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary indication for the use of ferrous sulfate?

    <p>Iron deficiency anemia treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the body when intrinsic factor is absent?

    <p>Absorption of vitamin B12 is significantly reduced</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents the most significant adverse effects of oral iron preparations?

    <p>Nausea and heartburn</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which part of the body is vitamin B12 primarily stored?

    <p>Liver</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Pernicious anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a crucial step before initiating therapy for iron deficiency?

    <p>Determining the cause of iron deficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the absorption rate of ferrous iron salts compare to ferric iron salts?

    <p>Ferrous salts are absorbed three times more readily.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much vitamin B12 is typically stored in the body?

    <p>2-3 mg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended action to prevent tooth staining from liquid iron preparations?

    <p>Diluting with water or juice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of anemia is most commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Megaloblastic anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which oral iron preparation is noted to be the most cost-effective?

    <p>Ferrous sulfate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if large doses of folic acid are administered in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>It can reverse hematologic effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Excessive folic acid intake</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if the therapy for iron deficiency anemia fails to produce a response?

    <p>Evaluate for underlying issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following interactions decreases the absorption of iron?

    <p>Using antacids concurrently</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom associated with prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Cognitive impairments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following adverse effects may occur with oral iron therapy?

    <p>Dark green or black stools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does vitamin B12 deficiency affect the structure of red blood cells?

    <p>Produces oversized red blood cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what scenario is parenteral iron preferred over oral iron?

    <p>When oral iron is ineffective or intolerable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of vitamin B12 is typically excreted daily?

    <p>0.1%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of iron is used most often for therapy?

    <p>Ferrous salts, especially ferrous sulfate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on white blood cells?

    <p>Impaired production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the lethal dose of elemental iron for young children?

    <p>2 to 10 g</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does ascorbic acid (vitamin C) have when combined with iron?

    <p>Increases absorption of iron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for increased iron demand during pregnancy?

    <p>Expansion of maternal blood volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum absorptive capacity of iron in mucosal cells of the small intestine per day?

    <p>3 to 4 mg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of iron is absorbed more readily by the body?

    <p>Ferric iron (Fe2+)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily regulates the amount of iron in the body?

    <p>Control of intestinal absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is iron released from red blood cells after they are catabolized?

    <p>Bound to transferrin in the plasma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which demographic group has a particularly high requirement for iron due to rapid growth?

    <p>Infants and children</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected daily iron intake for adult women due to menstruation?

    <p>15 to 18 mg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of iron deficiency?

    <p>Microcytic, hypochromic anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common cause of iron deficiency?

    <p>Excessive dietary absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of transferrin in the body?

    <p>To transport iron throughout the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of dietary iron is typically absorbed when body stores are high?

    <p>2% to 3%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor can enhance iron absorption from the diet?

    <p>Vitamin C</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common site for iron storage in the body?

    <p>Liver</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily affected by a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body?

    <p>Neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is typically an early manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Paresthesias of the hands and feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adverse effects does severe vitamin B12 deficiency cause?

    <p>Disruption of all blood cell production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When treating moderate vitamin B12 deficiency, which action is sufficient?

    <p>Administering vitamin B12 alone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is folic acid not a substitute for vitamin B12 in treatment?

    <p>Folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, which of the following is NOT correct?

    <p>Oral therapy is effective for severe neurologic deficits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be monitored periodically during prolonged vitamin B12 treatment?

    <p>Plasma levels of vitamin B12</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are common complications of prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Psychosis and memory loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a definitive diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency, what combination of factors is considered?

    <p>Megaloblastic anemia plus low plasma vitamin B12 plus evidence of B12 malabsorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the treatment for severe vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Combined therapy of vitamin B12 and folic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential hazard of using folic acid to treat vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Exacerbation of neurologic consequences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes vitamin B12 deficiency from folic acid deficiency?

    <p>The underlying mechanisms differ despite causing megaloblastic anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could result from a lack of vitamin B12 affecting rapidly dividing cells?

    <p>Oral ulceration and GI disturbances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of recovery from vitamin B12 deficiency, how does the duration of symptoms affect prognosis?

    <p>Long-term deficiencies typically result in permanent damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary metabolic function of folic acid?

    <p>DNA synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition can lead to folic acid deficiency due to increased requirements?

    <p>Pregnancy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key symptom of folic acid deficiency?

    <p>Megaloblastic anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the body maintain folate stores?

    <p>By enterohepatic recirculation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common dietary source of folic acid?

    <p>Citrus fruits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism allows for the activation of folate without vitamin B12?

    <p>An alternate activation pathway</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is least likely to cause folic acid deficiency?

    <p>High blood pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is preferred for treating a folic acid deficiency due to malabsorption?

    <p>High oral doses of folic acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended daily intake of folic acid for women of reproductive age?

    <p>400 to 800 µg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does folic acid deficiency have on the nervous system?

    <p>It does not injure the nervous system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should folic acid be used cautiously in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>It can mask underlying vitamin B12 deficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical method to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy for folic acid deficiency?

    <p>Monitor reticulocyte count</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is commonly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and atherosclerosis due to folate deficiency?

    <p>Celiac disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In cases of severe folic acid deficiency, which initial treatment is most likely to be recommended?

    <p>Injection of both folic acid and vitamin B12</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is essential for hemoglobin synthesis but not directly for RBC maturation?

    <p>Iron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of erythropoietin in the context of red blood cell development?

    <p>Promotes the maturation of erythrocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What consequence does a lack of folic acid have on red blood cell development?

    <p>Impairs DNA synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the function of myoglobin in the body?

    <p>It is an oxygen-storing molecule in muscle tissue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the status of iron in the human body?

    <p>Iron is stored mostly as ferritin and hemosiderin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the body's iron is typically present in myoglobin?

    <p>10% to 15%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group is most likely to experience a higher risk of iron deficiency due to rapid growth?

    <p>Adolescents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do iron-containing enzymes play in the body?

    <p>They facilitate numerous metabolic functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical percentage of dietary iron absorbed when body stores are low?

    <p>20%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors primarily regulates the amount of iron in the body?

    <p>Intestinal absorption of iron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason for increased iron requirements during pregnancy?

    <p>Expansion of maternal blood volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the daily RDA of iron for adult men?

    <p>8 mg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is iron primarily lost from the body under normal conditions?

    <p>Via fecal matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of iron is absorbed more efficiently in the body?

    <p>Ferrous iron (Fe2+)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which consequence is most likely to result from iron deficiency anemia?

    <p>Microcytic, hypochromic erythrocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the fate of most transferrin-bound iron in the body?

    <p>Incorporated into hemoglobin in bone marrow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common cause of iron deficiency beyond dietary intake?

    <p>Chronic blood loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is a consequence of iron deficiency in young children?

    <p>Developmental problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically happens to iron in red blood cells after they reach the end of their life cycle?

    <p>It reenters circulation bound to transferrin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which demographic group requires higher iron intake relative to body weight due to rapid growth?

    <p>Infants and young children</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of total body iron is found in circulating erythrocytes?

    <p>70%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential outcome if therapy for iron deficiency anemia fails to produce a response?

    <p>Evaluation for continued bleeding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a reason to avoid oral iron in patients with gastrointestinal disorders?

    <p>Adverse effects on the GI tract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be prioritized before initiating therapy for iron deficiency anemia?

    <p>Determination of the cause of iron deficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which oral iron preparation is considered the treatment of choice for iron deficiency anemia?

    <p>Ferrous sulfate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does oral iron therapy generally affect stools?

    <p>Imparts a dark green or black color</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of combining iron with ascorbic acid (vitamin C)?

    <p>Offers no advantage over increasing iron dosage alone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following must be monitored closely after beginning oral iron treatment?

    <p>Reticulocyte count</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may contribute to the risk of iron toxicity in children?

    <p>Accidental ingestion of iron-containing products</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the preferred route of administration for iron therapy when oral iron is ineffective?

    <p>Intravenous injection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor primarily regulates the amount of iron in the body?

    <p>Hepcidin production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential effect does high-dose iron therapy have on patients with existing GI disorders?

    <p>Worsening of GI symptoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the usual outcome within 4 to 7 days after starting successful iron therapy?

    <p>Increase in reticulocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which iron preparation is absorbed more slowly, reducing the risk of toxicity?

    <p>Carbonyl iron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary early symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Paresthesias of the hands and feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is advised for patients with severe neurological deficits due to B12 deficiency?

    <p>Parenteral cyanocobalamin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can result from prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Permanent neurological damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is folic acid not a substitute for vitamin B12 in treating deficiency?

    <p>Folic acid can exacerbate neurologic consequences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which consequence is associated with severe vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Cerebrovascular insufficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the treatment for moderate vitamin B12 deficiency include?

    <p>Vitamin B12 alone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which laboratory findings lead to a clear diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Low plasma vitamin B12 and megaloblastic anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During long-term treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency, how often should plasma levels of vitamin B12 be monitored?

    <p>Every 3 to 6 months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a symptom of folic acid deficiency that is similar to vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Oral ulceration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to megaloblasts in bone marrow shortly after starting treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>They disappear within 1 to 2 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential hazard of treating vitamin B12 deficiency with folic acid?

    <p>Masking continued vitamin B12 deficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition may lead to lifelong treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Intrinsic factor deficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor differentiates the mechanism of vitamin B12 deficiency from its hematologic effects?

    <p>Non-related mechanisms for neuronal damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the activation of dietary folic acid to its usable form in the body?

    <p>Vitamin B12</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of folic acid deficiency that is NOT shared with vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Nervous system injury</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition may lead to increased folic acid requirements?

    <p>Pregnancy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a significant cause of folic acid deficiency?

    <p>Poor diet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the preferred route for administering folic acid for most patients?

    <p>Oral</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the body conserve folic acid compared to vitamin B12?

    <p>Folic acid is not conserved; significant amounts are excreted daily.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does enterohepatic recirculation play in folic acid metabolism?

    <p>It aids in recycling folate from liver to intestine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition may worsen the enterohepatic recirculation of folic acid?

    <p>Liver disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these patients would be recommended to take folic acid supplements?

    <p>A woman who is pregnant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a potential consequence of excessive alcohol consumption related to folate metabolism?

    <p>Derangement of enterohepatic recirculation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initial treatment is recommended for severe folic acid deficiency with megaloblastic anemia?

    <p>IM injection of folic acid and vitamin B12</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect can excessive dietary folic acid have in the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>It can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What measures should be taken if folic acid deficiency is due to malabsorption?

    <p>Supplemental folate is necessary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the role of vitamin B12 in DNA synthesis?

    <p>It activates folic acid, which is necessary for DNA synthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency related to cell division?

    <p>Formation of oversized blood cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism allows for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the absence of intrinsic factor?

    <p>Passive diffusion through intestinal lining.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is described as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by lack of intrinsic factor?

    <p>Megaloblastic anemia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to vitamin B12 in the liver after absorption?

    <p>It binds to transcobalamin II for transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical daily percentage of vitamin B12 that is excreted from the body?

    <p>0.1%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential cause of impaired absorption of vitamin B12?

    <p>Celiac disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following cells are primarily affected by vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Epithelial cells of the GI tract.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of anemia is characterized by the presence of megaloblasts and macrocytes?

    <p>Megaloblastic anemia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant effect of prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency on the nervous system?

    <p>Permanent neurologic damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is crucial for the conversion of folic acid to its active form?

    <p>Vitamin B12.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What alternative pathway can activate folic acid in the presence of high concentrations?

    <p>B12-independent pathway.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common gastrointestinal disturbance associated with vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Nausea.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms develop slowly over time?

    <p>The body has large reserves of vitamin B12.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Anemia and Deficiency Drugs

    • Anemia is a decrease in red blood cell count, size, or hemoglobin content. Most deficiency anemias result from insufficient iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid. Globally, millions suffer from iron deficiency, the common cause of nutritional anemia.

    Red Blood Cell (RBC) Development

    • RBCs start developing in the bone marrow, then mature in the blood.
    • Development progresses through four stages: proerythroblasts (lack hemoglobin), erythroblasts (gain hemoglobin), reticulocytes (immature RBCs), and mature erythrocytes.
    • RBC development needs a healthy bone marrow, erythropoietin (stimulates maturation), iron for hemoglobin synthesis, and other factors like vitamin B12 and folic acid.

    Iron Deficiency Anemia

    • Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency and the most common cause of nutritional anemia globally.
    • Approximately 5% of the US population is iron deficient.
    • Iron is crucial for hemoglobin, myoglobin, and various enzymes.
    • About 70-80% of body iron is in hemoglobin.
    • Iron absorption in the small intestine favors ferrous iron (Fe2+), enhanced by vitamin C, but inhibited by food.
    • Iron is stored as ferritin or transported by transferrin, continuously recycled.
    • Daily excretion is minimal (~1 mg). Iron is tightly regulated. High stores decrease absorption; low stores increase absorption.
    • Blood loss (menorrhagia, hemorrhage, donations) considerably reduces iron levels.
    • Iron requirements increase during infancy, childhood, and pregnancy. Pregnant individuals and menstruating women have increased iron needs, requiring supplementation to exceed typical dietary needs.

    Iron Deficiency: Causes, Consequences, & Diagnosis

    • Causes usually stem from increased demand—pregnancy, infant/child growth, or chronic blood loss—rather than reduced uptake, though conditions like gastrectomy can affect absorption.
    • Consequences include microcytic, hypochromic RBCs; reduced oxygen-carrying capacity; fatigue, pallor; potential tachycardia, dyspnea, angina, and impaired myoglobin and iron-containing enzyme production. This impacts growth and development in children and adolescents.
    • Diagnosis involves observing microcytic, hypochromic RBCs, absence of hemosiderin in bone marrow, and reduced RBC count, reticulocyte hemoglobin, hemoglobin/hematocrit, serum iron, and increased serum iron-binding capacity (indicating reduced iron availability).

    Iron Treatments

    • Oral ferrous salts (especially ferrous sulfate) are favored due to better absorption than ferric salts.
    • Common adverse effects include GI disturbances (nausea, heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea), which are usually most noticeable initially and often improve over time, but may exacerbate existing conditions.
    • Liquid preparations can stain teeth; dilute in juice/water, use a straw/dropper, rinse after use.
    • Iron toxicity is rare from therapeutic doses but is a worry in overdoses, especially in children.
    • Interactions with other drugs like antacids and tetracyclines can affect iron absorption.
    • Carbonyl iron is a slower-absorbing alternative, potentially reducing toxicity risk.

    Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    • Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is vital for DNA synthesis.
    • It activates folic acid for DNA synthesis.
    • Absorption requires intrinsic factor (secreted by stomach parietal cells). This forms a complex absorbed in the small intestine.
    • Deficiency commonly stems from impaired absorption rather than dietary deficiency. Regional enteritis, celiac disease, antibodies against the B12-intrinsic factor complex, bariatric surgery, or reduced stomach acid can impair absorption. Pernicious anemia is caused by intrinsic factor deficiency from parietal cell atrophy.
    • Consequences: Megaloblastic (macrocytic) anemia, impacting bone marrow and mucosal cells; neurologic damage (demyelination), potentially causing permanent neurological sequelae. Symptoms may include paresthesias, loss of reflexes, memory loss, mood changes, hallucinations, and psychosis. Death from severe anemia is possible -- heart failure, dysrhythmias.

    Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treatment

    • Oral B12 is used when absorption isn't severely compromised.
    • Parenteral (injection) B12 is preferred for severe neurologic deficiencies.
    • Moderate deficiency targets only megaloblastic & macrocytic cells. Severe deficiency impacts all blood cells, causing anemia, infections, and bleeding; treatment includes B12 injections, blood transfusions, and antibiotics, with recovery from anemia quicker than neurologic recovery, which may be incomplete. Long-term treatment is required for conditions like pernicious anemia (typically monthly/weekly injections or high daily oral doses).

    Folic Acid Deficiency

    • Folic acid (folate) is crucial for DNA synthesis.
    • Absorption occurs in the proximal small intestine; stored in/circulates in the liver. Rapid excretion compared to B12 leads to quicker deficiency development.
    • Deficiency often results from poor diet (especially alcohol use disorder) or malabsorption (sprue).
    • Consequences: Megaloblastic anemia, similar to B12 deficiency but without neurological problems.
    • Treatment: Oral folic acid is preferred, high doses needed for malabsorption. Folic Acid supplementation can mask B12 deficiency, so combined treatment may be necessary for severe cases.

    Pregnancy and Folic Acid

    • Folic acid deficiency early in pregnancy can cause neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly), highlighting the importance of pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation of 400–800 μg/day. Dietary intake alone may not be enough.

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    Test your knowledge on the causes and effects of nutrition-related anemia. This quiz covers essential aspects, such as the development stages of red blood cells, the importance of vitamins and minerals, and global iron deficiency statistics. Challenge yourself with questions about the factors that influence anemia.

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