Anemia Due To Folic Acid Deficiency

Overview

Anemia due to Folic Acid Deficiency is also known as Megaloblastic Anemia where the red blood cells produced are larger than the normal size. It happens when there is lack of folic acid in the blood which is required for DNA synthesis of precursor of red blood cells.

Signs and Symptoms

Tiredness, Dizziness, Palpitations, Headache, Shortness of breath, Tachycardia, Postural hypotension, Confusion, Poor concentration, Pallor of conjunctiva, Jaundice, Angular stomatitis, Glossitis

Common Causes

Diet lack of leafy green vegetables, Alcoholism, Malabsorption due to coeliac disease, Increased demand due to pregnancy, Hemolysis, Malignancy, Inflammatory disease, Renal dialysis, Drugs such as anti-epileptics and methotrexate

Risk Factors

Diet lack of leafy green vegetables, Alcoholism, Malabsorption due to coeliac disease, Increased demand due to pregnancy, Hemolysis, Malignancy, Inflammatory disease, Renal dialysis, Drugs such as anti-epileptics and methotrexate

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Differential white count, Peripheral blood film, Electrophoresis, Serum folate level, Serum lactate dehydrogenase, Bone marrow test

Treatment and Prevention

Folic acid supplements (usually together with Vitamin B12 supplement), Changes in diet, Quit alcohol, Blood transfusion (rarely)