Question

Examination of blood of a person suspected of having anaemia, shows large, immature, nucleated erythrocytes without haemoglobin. Supplementing his diet with which of the following, is likely to alleviate his symptoms ?

• A. Thiamine
• B. Folic acid and cobalamine
• C. Riboflavin
• D. Iron compounds

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question involves identifying a dietary supplement that can alleviate symptoms of anaemia characterized by large, immature, nucleated erythrocytes without haemoglobin. Let's solve this step-by-step:

1. Understanding Anaemia: Anaemia is a condition where there is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells (RBCs), often due to a lack of essential nutrients. The specific type described here involves immature, nucleated erythrocytes lacking haemoglobin.
2. Identifying the Type of Anaemia: The presence of large, immature, nucleated erythrocytes suggests a type of macrocytic anaemia, commonly caused by vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or folic acid deficiencies. Both are essential for proper DNA synthesis in erythrocyte production.
3. Nutrient Roles:
   • Folic Acid: Necessary for DNA and RNA synthesis, crucial in producing healthy erythrocytes.
   • Cobalamin (Vitamin B12): Works alongside folic acid in erythropoiesis and maintaining healthy nerve cells.
4. Eliminating Incorrect Options:
   • Thiamine: Involved in carbohydrate metabolism; not linked to erythrocyte maturation.
   • Riboflavin: Needed for energy production and cellular function, not directly related to erythrocyte production.
   • Iron Compounds: Essential for haemoglobin formation but don't address the issue of large, immature erythrocytes.
5. Conclusion: Supplementing the diet with Folic acid and cobalamine is likely to alleviate symptoms by correcting the deficiencies responsible for the specific type of anaemia described.

Therefore, the correct answer is Folic acid and cobalamine.