Megaloblastic Anaemia: Vitamin B9 Deficiency

Megaloblastic anaemia is a type of anaemia characterized by abnormally large, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow.

Key Causes of Megaloblastic Anaemia

This condition primarily arises from impaired DNA synthesis, which affects rapidly dividing cells like red blood cell precursors. The most common causes are deficiencies in:

• Vitamin B9 (Folate): Essential for DNA synthesis and repair.
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Required for DNA synthesis and normal neurological function.

Role of Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9, also known as folate, plays a critical role in the production of nucleotides and the metabolism of amino acids, both vital processes for DNA replication.

A deficiency in Vitamin B9 leads to faulty DNA synthesis, resulting in the characteristic large, immature red blood cells seen in megaloblastic anaemia.

Conclusion

The deficiency of Vitamin B9 is a direct cause of megaloblastic anaemia.