Folate Deficiency Anemia

Question 1

folate deficiency is what type of anemia?

Answer 1

megaloblastic

Question 2

what lab levels would reflect changes in folate intake?

Answer 2

serum folate levels

Question 3

what lab levels would reflect folate storage issues?

Answer 3

RBC folate levels

Question 4

what is folate used for in the body?

Answer 4

production of RBC
synthesis of DNA
digestion and utilization of proteins (along with B12 and vit C)

Question 5

why isn’t folate deficiency an issue in western countries?

Answer 5

government fortification programs

Question 6

folate deficiency results in?

Answer 6

impairment in cell division
accumulation of toxic metabolites
neural tube defects in utero
megaloblastic anemia
elevated levels of homocysteine (leading to an increased risk for ischemic heart disease and stroke)

Question 7

why is folate deficiency an issue with alcoholics?

Answer 7

alcohol dehydrogenase can catabolize folate prior to its absorption in the gut

Question 8

anemia due to folate deficiency may take how long to manifest symptoms?

Answer 8

4-6 months; folate reserves can stay in the blood that long

Question 9

what may folate deficiency present with?

Answer 9

mouth ulcers
angular cheilosis
anorexia
strawberry tongue
hyperpigmentation of the palms and soles

Question 10

what might you see on a blood smear of a patient with folate deficiency?

Answer 10

oval macrocytes

hypersegmented neutrophils

Question 11

what lab results found in folate deficiency?

Answer 11

elevated serum homocysteine
normal serum methylmalonic acid
decreased RBC folate

Question 12

what foods can you suggest a person with folate deficiency eats?

Answer 12

leafy greens
veggies
fruits
eggs
beans
poultry
pork
fortified grains

Question 13

what is the one differentiating manifestation between B12 deficiency and folate deficiency?

Answer 13

folate deficiencies don’t have neurologic manifestations