Folate deficiency anemia

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9, water-soluble and naturally found in many foods. It is also added to foods and sold as a supplement in the form of folic acid. Folate is found in citrus fruits and juices as well as leafy greens, legumes and fortified carbohydrates. Having adequate folate in human diet is essential for preventing deficiency-related anemia.

A folate deficiency is rare because it is found in a wide range of foods. Signs of deficiency can include: megaloblastic anemia; weakness, fatigue; irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; difficulty concentrating; hair loss; pale skin; mouth sores.

Folate-deficiency anemia is the lack of folic acid in the blood. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps body make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body using a substance called hemoglobin. Anemia is the general term for having either fewer red blood cells than normal or having an abnormally low amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.

Low levels of folic acid can cause megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia characterized by the formation of abnormally large red blood cells with defects in DNA synthesis.

There are fewer of these cells. They are also oval-shaped, not round. Sometimes these red blood cells do not live as long as normal red blood cells.

Folate deficiency can occur due to dietary deficiency, malabsorption, pregnancy, malignancy, blood disorders, inflammation, or drugs. Common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, dyspnoea, palpitations, headaches, tinnitus or anorexia.
Folate deficiency anemia