Assertion : Pantothenic acid deficiency is probably the most common vitamin deficiency. Reason : Macrocytic anaemia is a characteristic feature of pantothenic acid deficiency.

Step-by-step solution

Pantothenic acid, (vitamin B ₅ ) formerly known as chick anti-dermatitis factor or filtrate factor is widely distributed in nature. It is a water soluble vitamin needed for metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is found in egg, cereals, legumes meat, etc. It is a surprise to biochemists that despite the involvement of pantothenic acid (as coenzyme A) in a great number of metabolic reactions, its deficiency manifestations have not been reported in humans, presumably because of the wide occurrence of thi