What causes folate-deficiency anemia?

You can develop folate-deficiency anemia if:

• You don’t eat enough foods that have folic acid. These include green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, fortified cereals, yeast, and meats (including liver).
• You drink too much alcohol
• You have certain diseases of the lower digestive tract, such as celiac disease. This type of anemia also occurs in people with cancer.
• You take certain medicines, such as some used for seizures.
• You are pregnant. This is because the developing baby needs more folic acid. Also, the mother absorbs it more slowly. A lack of folate during pregnancy is linked to major birth defects that affect the brain, spinal cord, and spine (neural tube defects).

What are the symptoms of folate-deficiency anemia?

• Pale skin
• Decreased appetite
• Being grouchy (irritable)
• Lack of energy or tiring easily
• Diarrhea
• Smooth and tender tongue

The symptoms of folate-deficiency anemia may look like other blood conditions or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is folate-deficiency anemia treated?

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• How sick you are
• How well you can handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies
• How long the condition is expected to last
• Your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Changes in your diet
• Medicine
• Treating the underlying disease

You may need to take folic acid supplements for at least 2 to 3 months. These may be pills or shots (injections). Eating foods high in folic acid and cutting your alcohol intake are also important. If a digestive tract problem causes your anemia, your provider may treat that first.

Key points about folate-deficiency anemia

• Most folate-deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of folic acid in the diet.
• Leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains are natural sources of folic acid.
• Folate-deficiency anemia in pregnancy may cause a neural tube defect. This is when the brain or spinal cord doesn’t develop normally.
• Treatment includes a well-balanced diet of foods with folic acid, folic acid supplements, medicines, and treating underlying diseases.

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