Module 2 - Macrocytic - Folate Deficiency Anemias Flashcards
essential vitamin required for RNA and DNA synthesis within the maturing erythrocyte.
folic acid
Folates are co-enzymes required for the synthesis of what?
thymine and purines (adenine and guanine) and the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
Deficient production of thymine causes what?
affects cells undergoing rapid division (e.g., bone marrow cells undergoing erythropoiesis).
What is daily requirement of folate?
- 50 to 200mg/day
- Humans are totally dependent on dietary intake to meet the daily requirement
Where is folate absorbed?
Folate is absorbed from the upper small intestine and does not require any other element (i.e., IF) to help absorption.
What happens to folate once it’s absorbed?
After absorption, folate circulates through the liver, where it is stored.
True or False: Folate deficiency occurs less than the B12 deficiency?
False - Folate deficiency occurs more often than B12 deficiency, particularly in alcoholics and individuals with chronic malnourishment.
What’s the percentage of North Americans who are folate deficient?
10%
What are clinical manifestation of folate deficiency anemias?
- Malnourished appearance
- cheilosis (scales and fissures of the mouth)
- stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth)
- painful ulceration of the buccal mucosa and tongue (burning mouth syndrome)
Burning mouth syndrome may be secondary to a large number of disorders. What are these disorders?
dry mouth, infection, autoimmune disease, nutritional deficiencies, and other conditions
Give example of underlying cause of folate malabsorption.
Undiagnosed inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
What can lead to an increase in GI damage in relation to folate deficiency anemia?
Folate deficiency may suppress proliferation of the intestinal mucosa
What usually occurs with folate deficiency and may cause neurological manifestations?
thiamine deficiency
How to evaluate folate deficiency?
-blood tests, measurement of serum folate levels, and clinical manifestations.
What are the treatment for folate deficiency?
administration of oral folate preparations until adequate blood levels are obtained and manifestations are reduced or eliminated. Long-term therapy is not necessary if the proper dietary adjustments are made to support adequate intake.
