Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

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Pernicious anemia is primarily caused by a deficiency of which vitamin?

Vitamin C
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Folic acid

The correct answer is: Vitamin B12

Pernicious anemia is primarily caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B12 due to the body's inability to absorb the vitamin effectively. This condition is often linked to a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced by the stomach that is essential for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the intestines. Without sufficient intrinsic factor, Vitamin B12 cannot be adequately absorbed, leading to a deficiency that affects the production of red blood cells and can result in anemia. Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining healthy nerve cells and producing DNA and RNA, so its deficiency can lead to various systemic issues, apart from anemia, including neurological problems. Understanding this connection emphasizes the importance of diagnosing and addressing Vitamin B12 deficiencies in patients exhibiting symptoms of anemia. Other vitamins listed, such as Vitamin C, D, and folic acid, play significant roles in various bodily functions, but they are not the primary causes of pernicious anemia.