Final answer:
The statement that folic acid helps in the formation of RBCs is true. Folic acid is vital for RBC formation and DNA synthesis within these cells, with deficiencies leading to anemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement folic acid helps in the formation of RBCs (red blood cells) is true. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in the body by helping in the formation of new cells. It is particularly important in the context of hemopoiesis, the process by which new blood cells are produced, including RBCs. This vitamin acts as a coenzyme in nucleic acid metabolism, which is essential for the synthesis of DNA within developing red blood cells in the bone marrow. Without adequate folic acid, the body cannot produce RBCs effectively, which can lead to a form of anemia.
Conditions like thalassemia demonstrate the importance of proper RBC formation, as this inherited disorder leads to abnormal hemoglobin production and excessive destruction of erythrocytes, while disorders like myelofibrosis illustrate how disease can impair hemopoiesis by affecting myeloid stem cells in the bone marrow. In a nutritional context, a person following a strict vegan diet may be at risk for folic acid deficiency, which can result in anemia due to the shortfall in RBC production.