Final answer:
A patient with elevated MCV and megaloblastic anemia is likely deficient in vitamin B12 or folate. Good sources of these nutrients include animal products like liver and fish for B12, and leafy greens and whole wheat for folate. Conditions like Crohn's disease can affect B12 absorption leading to pernicious anemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with an elevated MCV (mean corpuscular volume) diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia likely has a deficiency in vitamin B12 and/or folate. These nutrients are crucial for proper red blood cell formation, and deficiencies can lead to large, immature red blood cells characteristic of this type of anemia. Good food sources for folate include leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole wheat. As only certain microorganisms can synthesize vitamin B12, rich sources are found in animal products such as liver, eggs, meat and fish.
Moreover the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that women who could become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate to prevent birth defects like neural tube defects. It's also important to note that conditions such as Crohn's disease, certain surgeries, and some medications can hinder the absorption of vitamin B12, contributing to pernicious anemia.