Anaemia folate deficiency
Anaemia Folate Deficiency
Anaemia folate deficiency is a blood disorder owing to the insufficient levels of folic acid, a water-soluble vitamin, in the body. It affects red blood cell production by causing cells to be immature. The condition is mostly seen in pregnant women, people who drink excess alcohol, those with malabsorption syndromes, people with a diet low in folic acid, and cancer patients.
Symptoms of Anaemia Folate Deficiency
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Heart palpitations
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms can be accompanied with a sore tongue and other mouth sores. Other signs include poor growth in infancy, poor vision, and learning disabilities in children.
Diagnosis of Anaemia Folate Deficiency
The diagnosis of anaemia folate deficiency is done on the basis of blood test reports that measure the amount of folate in the serum. Other tests conducted include the Complete Blood Count (CBC) to measure the red blood cell count and a methyltetrahydrofolate test which measures the amount of folate present in the red blood cells.
Treatment of Anaemia Folate Deficiency
Treatment of anaemia folate deficiency depends on the underlying cause. The most commonly prescribed treatment is folic acid supplements. The dosage may vary depending on the severity of the condition. Other treatments may include vitamin B12 supplements, a balanced diet with foods with high folic acid content, and certain lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol and controlling stress levels.
In cases of malabsorption syndromes, treatment may involve taking vitamins and other medications to improve the absorption of the nutrients in the body. The doctor will also recommend avoiding or limiting certain foods that can interfere with the absorption of folic acid.
Prevention of Anaemia Folate Deficiency
The most effective way to prevent anaemia folate deficiency is to ensure adequate intake of folic acid. This can be done by including foods rich in folic acid like dark leafy greens, fortified cereals, legumes, nuts, and citrus fruits in the diet. Taking folic acid supplements in the recommended daily dose is also beneficial.
Those who are at a higher risk of developing anaemia folate deficiency due to medical conditions should consult a doctor for administering the right dose of supplements.