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?
- Iron compounds
- Thiamine
- Folic acid and cobalamin
- Riboflavin
Answer
(3) Folic acid and cobalamin
Solution
Large, immature, nucleated erythrocytes are seen in megaloblastic (pernicious) anaemia, caused by deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which are needed for DNA synthesis and maturation of RBCs.
Iron deficiency gives small (microcytic) pale RBCs instead.
∴ Folic acid and cobalamin supplements relieve the symptoms.
Answer: (3)