Which vitamin deficiency is associated with neurologic symptoms in megaloblastic anemia?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with neurologic symptoms in megaloblastic anemia primarily due to its crucial role in the synthesis of myelin and in the production of neurotransmitters. In megaloblastic anemia, the lack of vitamin B12 leads to abnormal DNA synthesis, which affects the maturation of red blood cells, resulting in the characteristic large, dysfunctional cells.

The neuritic symptoms commonly observed in vitamin B12 deficiency include peripheral neuropathy, which may manifest as paresthesias (tingling or numbness) and weakness. This neurologic impairment is attributed to the role of vitamin B12 in maintaining the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. Additionally, vitamin B12 is also involved in the methylation reactions necessary for the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine, and disturbances in this pathway can lead to elevated homocysteine levels, which have been implicated in neurotoxicity.

Folate deficiency does cause megaloblastic anemia, but it typically does not lead to neurologic manifestations. Deficiencies in Vitamin C or Vitamin K are not linked to megaloblastic anemia or neurologic symptoms associated with it. Vitamin K is primarily involved in blood clotting, while Vitamin C plays a role in collagen