Folic Acid Deficiency Flashcards
1
Q
Causes of folic acid anemia
A
Malnutrition
“Tea and toast” diet
Alcohol use disorder
Malabsorption
Increased requirement - pregnancy, lactation
Drug related - methotrexate, anti epileptic drugs
2
Q
Folic acid anemia diagnostics
A
Megaloblastic anemia Macrocytic hyperchromic Normal levels of methylmalonic acid Increase MCV Increase homocysteine MMA normal Folate serum levels are not reliable Always exclude the possibility of B12
3
Q
Symptoms of Folic acid anemia
A
Similar to B12
Folate deficiency is usually not associated with neurological manifestations
Fatigue, pallor
Sore tongue
