Which vitamin deficiency is associated with pernicious anemia?

Pernicious anemia is specifically linked to a deficiency in vitamin B12. This condition occurs due to an inability to absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract, often caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. When there is a deficiency, it leads to improper formation of red blood cells, resulting in anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and pallor.

The other vitamins listed do not have a direct connection to the development of pernicious anemia. For example, vitamin D is primarily tied to bone health, while vitamin B6 is important for various metabolic processes, and vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection. None of these vitamins are related to the absorption issues associated with vitamin B12, which is the critical factor in pernicious anemia.