Which vitamin is notably lower in goat's milk, leading to anemia?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

Goat's milk is notably lower in folate compared to other types of milk, such as cow's milk. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, plays a critical role in the synthesis of DNA and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folate can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the presence of large, immature, and dysfunctional red blood cells.

While certain other vitamins are important for overall health and can contribute to anemia if deficient, folate deficiency specifically is recognized for its direct role in red blood cell production and maturation. Additionally, goat's milk’s lower folate content can especially impact individuals who rely on it for nutrition, particularly infants and young children, who have higher folate requirements.

In summary, the link between lower folate levels in goat's milk and the potential for anemia is a direct consequence of folate’s essential role in red blood cell formation, justifying the choice of this vitamin as the correct answer.

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