Definition:
Folate-deficiency anemia, classified under vitamin deficiency anemia, is the decrease in red blood cells caused by folate deficiency.
Diagnosis:
To diagnose folate deficiency anemia, low red blood cell folate level, a complete blood count (CBC), and a bone marrow examination may be performed.
Treatment:
Treatment is aimed at addressing the cause, which may be poor diet or malabsorption disease. Affected individuals may take oral or intravenous folic acid supplement on a short-term basis until the anemia has been corrected. In cases of poor absorption by the intestine, replacement therapy may be lifelong. It is also recommended to increase intake of green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.
Symptoms and Signs:
The common symptoms of folate deficiency anemia are tiredness, headache, sore mouth and tongue, diarrhea, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, muscle weakness, mental confusion or forgetfulness, and pallor.
Causes:
Also called folic acid, folate is necessary for red blood cell formation and growth. Sources of folate include green leafy vegetables and liver. Medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) interfere with the absorption of folate.
Poor dietary intake of folic acid, malabsorption diseases such as celiac disease (sprue), and certain medications cause this type of anemia. Among pregnant women, a relative deficiency due to increased need for folic acid may occur during the third trimester.
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