Megaloblastic Anemia –B12

A case was reported of a 42-year-old woman with a mood disorder - mixed depressed and psychotic behaviour –the result of vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9deficiency

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) or Vitamin B9 (Folate) deficiency Anemia occurs when a lack of vitamins leads to the production of abnormally structured red blood cells (RBCs) that are too large and immature These RBCs are called megaloblasts. There is a reduction in the number of RBCs as the megaloblasts cannot come out of the bone marrow (where they are produced) and move into the blood circulation.

And even if they do, they die earlier than healthy RBCs Also, megaloblasts do not divide and reproduce like healthy RBCs Megaloblasts cannot carry out their function of transporting oxygen around the body efficiently. This vitamin B12 or B9 deficiency Anemia is termed Megaloblastic Anemia.

Folate (B9) deficiency Anemia is uncommon in developed countries though it is still seen in developing countries