Which deficiency is characterized by megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects?

Megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects are both associated with a deficiency in folate. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, plays a critical role in DNA synthesis and cell division. When there is not enough folate available, red blood cells do not divide properly, leading to the formation of large, immature cells known as megaloblasts, which results in megaloblastic anemia.

In terms of neural tube defects, folate is essential during early pregnancy for proper neural tube formation. Insufficient folate levels can lead to defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

While vitamin B12 deficiency is also associated with megaloblastic anemia, it does not specifically cause neural tube defects. Iron deficiency leads to microcytic anemia, and vitamin K deficiency affects blood coagulation rather than red blood cell development or neural tube formation. Therefore, folate deficiency is definitively characterized by both megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects.