UNDERSTANDING FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

This type of anemia is a common and slow progressive megaloblastic anemia which is marked by a production of few, large, and deformed Red Blood Cells. This is prevalent in infants, adolescents, pregnant and lactating females, alcoholics, elderly, and those with malignant or intestinal disease.

How it happens?

• Insufficient folic acid intake of less than 50 mcg/day, or impairment of intestinal absorption
• Depleted body stores in liver à Inhibition of Red Blood Cells 
• Production of few, deformed Red Blood Cells with shortened life span.