Large doses of folate supplements might mask a vitamin B12 deficiency by correcting which symptom while not addressing neurological damage?

• A. Dizziness
• B. Shortness of breath
• C. Anemia
• D. Neurological damage

Answer: (C)

Folate helps red blood cell production by supporting DNA synthesis, so it can correct the megaloblastic anemia that arises from vitamin B12 deficiency. When the hematologic part improves, the patient’s anemia-related symptoms (like fatigue and pale appearance) lessen, which can mask the underlying B12 deficiency. However, the neurological damage caused by B12 deficiency—such as nerve symptoms and possible cognitive changes—continues because folate does not repair those nerve-related problems. So the symptom folate can fix is anemia, while the neurological damage remains unaddressed.