Dietary Folate Deficiency Anemia

Lack of folic acid – All about this condition

About

The Folate-deficiency anemia is the lack of folic acid in the blood. It refers to vitamin B which assists in the formation of red blood cells which carries oxygen to all parts of the body.

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing Folate-deficiency anemia.[3]

- Diagnostic tests are required
- Required medical diagnosis
- Treatable by medical professionals
- Medium term: resolves within a few months

The typical causes which lead to folate deficiency anemia are:
- Too little folic acid in your diet
- Long-term alcoholism
- Pregnancy
- Weight loss diets
- Eating overcooked food
- Certain diseases like Crohn’s disease, celiac, cancers, and severe kidney problems
- Side effects of certain medications

Ages affected:
It usually affects between the ages of 51 to 73. It can also affect children aged 1 to 13 years old.

Symptoms

The common symptoms experienced in people with folate deficiency anemia are:
- Persistent Fatigue
- Grey hair
- Mouth sores
- Swelling of the tongue
- Lethargy
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Irritability

Treatment

Self-care:
To prevent folate-deficiency anemia, it is recommended to consume these food items in your diet:
- Eating leafy green vegetables
- Brussels sprouts
- Peas
- Citrus
- Poultry
- Pork
- Shellfish
- Wheat bran
- Fortified cereals

Professional help:
The doctors are likely to prescribe a daily folic acid supplement and suggest changes in diet which include foods rich in folic acid.

Specialists:
A primary care physician or hematologist can help you deal effectively with dietary folate deficiency anemia. We at mfine have the best specialists to help you get an integrated treatment for all health issues. Get in touch with us for faster recovery.