Nutrition and Vitamin Deficiencies · USMLE Step 1

Which vitamin deficiency can result in megaloblastic anemia with neurological symptoms due to impaired DNA synthesis and methylation reactions?

  1. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  2. Vitamin B9 (folate)
  3. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
  4. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
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Correct answer: Vitamin B9 (folate)

Folate (vitamin B9) is necessary for synthesis of purines and thymidylate; its deficiency impairs DNA synthesis leading to megaloblastic anemia, and also affects methylation reactions important for neurologic function.

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