Question

Pernicious anemia is caused due to the deficiency of

• A. Biotin
• B. Calciferol
• C. Cyanocobalamine
• D. Ascorbic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is C Cyanocobalamine

Pernicious anemia is megaloblastic anemia resulting from vitamin B${}_{12}$ deficiency due to lack of intrinsic factor. Impaired intrinsic factor production can occur in an adult due to autoimmune destruction of parietal cells of the stomach, which produce vitamin B${}_{12}$ is cyanocobalamin.

Deficiency of cyanocobalamine causes peripheral neuropathy, psychosis, and subacute combined system degeneration with neurological impairment.In children, it results in mental retardation and a macrocyclic anemia. Without enough vitamin B${}_{12}$ abnormally large RBC called macrocytes are produced.

Dietary cobalamine is acquired mostly from meat and milk.