Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Cause of Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is caused due to deficiency of:
- Iron
- Folic acid
- Vitamin $B_{12}$ — Correct Answer
- All
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Vitamin B₁₂ (Cyanocobalamin)
Pernicious anaemia is a specific type of megaloblastic anaemia caused by Vitamin B₁₂ (Cyanocobalamin) deficiency. It occurs when the stomach fails to produce Intrinsic Factor — the glycoprotein required for B₁₂ absorption in the ileum.
Vitamin B₁₂ — Key Facts
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Cyanocobalamin |
| Other names | Anti-pernicious anaemia factor; Animal protein factor; Chick growth factor |
| Mineral contained | Cobalt (Co) — only vitamin with a mineral in its structure |
| Absorption site | Ileum (requires Intrinsic Factor from stomach) |
| Synthesis | By rumen microbes in ruminants |
Anaemia Types — Differential Diagnosis
- Pernicious anaemia → B₁₂ deficiency → megaloblastic anaemia (large immature RBCs).
- Iron deficiency anaemia → microcytic hypochromic anaemia.
- Folic acid deficiency → megaloblastic anaemia (similar to B₁₂ — both needed for DNA synthesis).
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Iron → deficiency causes iron deficiency anaemia (microcytic), not pernicious anaemia.
- Folic acid → also causes megaloblastic anaemia, but pernicious anaemia is specifically B₁₂-mediated.
- All → only B₁₂ is directly associated with the classic "pernicious anaemia" diagnosis.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
