Which vitamin deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia similar to B12 deficiency?

Megaloblastic anemia is a condition characterized by the production of abnormally large and immature red blood cells, which can occur due to deficiencies in either vitamin B12 or folate (vitamin B9). Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division. When there is inadequate folate, the synthesis of DNA is disrupted, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and the resulting megaloblastic anemia.

Both B12 and folate deficiencies exhibit similar hematological findings because they both impact the process of DNA synthesis. However, folate deficiency can arise from various dietary insufficiencies or increased physiological demands, such as during pregnancy, making it a more common issue in certain populations.

In contrast, while vitamins A, B6, and C are essential for various body functions—such as maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and aiding in collagen synthesis—they do not directly affect red blood cell production in the same way that folate does. Deficiencies in these vitamins do not typically lead to megaloblastic anemia, thus making folate the correct answer for this question.