INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. A deficiency in this vitamin can result in a type of anemia known as pernicious anemia, which is caused by the body's inability to properly absorb and utilize Vitamin B12. This leads to a decrease in the production of red blood cells, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Megaloblastic anemia (A) is another type of anemia that is also caused by a deficiency in Vitamin B12, but it can also be caused by a deficiency in folic acid. Hemolytic anemia (C) is a type of anemia where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. This is not directly related to a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Aplastic anemia (D) is a type of anemia that occurs when the body does not produce enough new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This is also not directly related to a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, the correct answer is B, pernicious anemia.