Which vitamin is used in the management of pernicious anemia?

Which vitamin is used in the management of pernicious anemia?

• A. Folic acid
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin B6
• D. Hydroxocobalamin

Answer: (D)

Pernicious anemia occurs when intrinsic factor is absent, leading to a deficiency of vitamin B12 needed for DNA synthesis and nerve myelin maintenance. The treatment is to replace vitamin B12; a long-acting form used for this purpose is hydroxocobalamin, usually given by intramuscular injections. This direct replacement addresses both the hematologic and potential neurologic aspects of the deficiency that folate or other vitamins cannot fix. Folic acid might improve the anemia temporarily, but it does not treat the underlying B12 deficiency and can mask ongoing neurological damage. Vitamins C and B6 do not correct the deficiency caused by lack of intrinsic factor, so they are not appropriate replacements in pernicious anemia.

Pernicious anemia occurs when intrinsic factor is absent, leading to a deficiency of vitamin B12 needed for DNA synthesis and nerve myelin maintenance. The treatment is to replace vitamin B12; a long-acting form used for this purpose is hydroxocobalamin, usually given by intramuscular injections. This direct replacement addresses both the hematologic and potential neurologic aspects of the deficiency that folate or other vitamins cannot fix.

Folic acid might improve the anemia temporarily, but it does not treat the underlying B12 deficiency and can mask ongoing neurological damage. Vitamins C and B6 do not correct the deficiency caused by lack of intrinsic factor, so they are not appropriate replacements in pernicious anemia.