Question

Name the difference between microcytic and megaloblastic anemia.

a. Which is most common in the US? Around the world?

b. What is the role of vitamin C in blood health and anemia resolution?

c. Discuss the changes seen in anemia since folic acid has been fortified in the food supply.

d. How do the following contribute to blood development?

zinc, copper, and vitamin K

Answer 1

Anemia means lack of blood it is the decrease in blood cell mass.When an adult male has hemoglobin less than 130 g/L and in females when it is less than 120g/L then they are anemic.Mean corpuscular volume(MCV) is average volume of a RBC .If MCV is less than 80 then that is microcytic anemia.Causes of microcytic anemia is Iron deficiency or genetic causes like Thalassemia . Megablastic anemia is defined as the red blood cells are larger than normal due to red blood cells are not produced properly.This type of anemia occurs due to defect of DNA synthesis in red blood cells production.The cell cycle cannot progress properly when DNA synthesis is impaired.This leads to abnormal cell growth with out division which presents as macrocytosis.The defect in red cell DNA synthesis is most often due to hypovitaminosis,deficiency of vitamin B₁₂ or folic acid.

a)Iron deficiency anemia is most common anemia in the US and in World this is due to insufficient iron intake. It is more commonly found in people who are vegetarians.Increased loss of iron from the body due to bleeding.In women due to heavy periods,gynecological issues causes anemia.Sever hemorrhoids,colorectal cancer can cause iron deficiency anemia.Inability to absorb iron can due celiac disease,malabsorbtion syndromes or gastric bypass surgery.

b)Vitamin C is also called as Ascorbic acid.Body absorbs more iron more efficiently in the presence of Vitamin C.Lemons,berries,bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C.

c)Folic acid is a water soluble B vitamin that is necessary for cell growth and development of embryo.Folic acid is not stored in the body and need to be consumed every day.In 1996 The Food and Drug Administration mandated the fortification of enriched cereal-grain products like bread,crackers,pasta.In fact enriched grains are the primary source of folic acid in the diet of Americans.The CDC recently recognized folic acid fortification as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 21^st century for dramatically helping reduce neural tube defects in babies and anemia.

d)Zinc is a co-factor for many enzymes.Zinc is essential for the normal growth,reproduction, and life expectancy.The currently recommended allowance is 15 mg/day for adults,with an additional 15 mg during pregnancy.Zinc deficiency may be related to anemia and zinc supplementation influences hemoglobin production.

Copper is an essential constituent of several proteins.A daily allowance of 2.5mg is sufficient for adults.It is essential for haemoglobin synthesis and copper is essential for  proper structure and function of circulating blood cells

Vitamin K function is to catalyze the synthesis of prothombin by the liver.It also regulates the synthesis of other plasma clotting factors dependent on vitamin K.