Final answer:
Megaloblastic anemia, due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, is indeed associated with glossitis, along with other symptoms such as lesions of the lips, and cheilosis. The condition can also lead to birth defects if present during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that megaloblastic anemia is associated with glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) is True. Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia that is commonly due to a deficiency of either vitamin B12 or folate, or both. Diets deficient in these nutrients, particularly a lack of meat or alternative sources of vitamin B12 and insufficient consumption of vegetables for folate, can lead to this condition. Symptoms of megaloblastic anemia include a range of deficiency diseases like lesions of the lips, fissures at the angles of the mouth (cheilosis), facial dermatitis, and importantly, a magenta-colored tongue or glossitis, which is often painful.
Furthermore, a deficiency in these vitamins during pregnancy is linked to birth defects such as neural tube defects and anemia. Hence, it's crucial to maintain a diet that includes sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 and folate to prevent such deficiencies and associated health issues.
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