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Folate deficiency, also known as vitamin B 9 deficiency, is a low level of folate and derivatives in the body. [1] This may result in megaloblastic anemia in which red blood cells become abnormally large, and folate deficiency anemia is the term given for this medical condition. [3] Signs of folate deficiency are often subtle. [4]
Folate in the form of folic acid is used to treat anemia caused by folate deficiency. [3] Folic acid is also used as a supplement by women during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the baby. [3] [10] NTDs include anencephaly and spina bifida, among other defects.
Megaloblastic anemia is a type of macrocytic anemia. ... and folate deficiencies. The level of methylmalonic acid is not elevated in folic acid deficiency.
Megaloblastic anemia, the most common cause of macrocytic anemia, is due to a deficiency of either vitamin B 12, folic acid, or both. [81] Deficiency in folate or vitamin B 12 can be due either to inadequate intake or insufficient absorption. Folate deficiency normally does not produce neurological symptoms, while B 12 deficiency does.
In fact, a severe deficiency in folate can result in a condition called folate-deficiency anemia, which has symptoms like hair thinning and pigmentation changes in the hair.
Macrocytic anemias have several causes but with the implementation of folic acid fortification in North America, folate deficiency has become a rare cause of megaloblastic macrocytic anemia in that part of the world. [1] In this region, Vitamin B 12 deficiency is a far more common cause of megaloblastic macrocytic anemia. [1]