Anemia can result from deficiency of which vitamin?

• A. Iron deficiency
• B. Vitamin B12 deficiency
• C. Folate deficiency
• D. Vitamin C deficiency

Answer: (B)

Red blood cell production depends on vitamins that support DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is required for proper maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Without enough B12, developing erythroblasts can’t divide normally and become large, immature cells (megaloblasts), leading to a reduced number of functioning red blood cells—megaloblastic anemia. Among the options, a vitamin deficiency causing this type of anemia is vitamin B12. Iron deficiency is a mineral deficiency, not a vitamin; folate deficiency can cause a similar macrocytic anemia, but the question points to vitamin-related causes, with B12 being the classic example. Vitamin C deficiency doesn’t directly cause the characteristic anemia described here.