Ads
related to: folate deficiency causes anemia because- ID & IDA Symptoms
Review iron deficiency symptoms,
conditions, and treatment options.
- FDA-Approved Treatment
Read details on an iron treatment
option. Download the brochure now.
- Download Patient Brochure
Review information about this
uniquely formulated therapy.
- Treatment Safety Info
Review safety info and speak to
your doctor about any concerns.
- ID & IDA Symptoms
Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
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]
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]
For determination of cause, further patient history, testing, and empirical therapy may be clinically indicated. A measurement of methylmalonic acid (methylmalonate) can provide an indirect method for partially differentiating Vitamin B 12 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.
People with megaloblastic anemia need to be tested for vitamin B 12 deficiency before treatment with folic acid, because if the person has vitamin B 12 deficiency, folic acid supplementation can remove the anemia, but can also worsen neurologic problems. [98]
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.