Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia
Folic acid deficiency anemia results from lower-than-normal levels of folic acid in the body. It causes symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and lightheadedness.
Causes of folic acid deficiency anemia include:
- Not getting enough folic acid in the diet.
- An increased need for folic acid, as can happen during pregnancy or with certain diseases, such as sickle cell disease.
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Certain medicines.
- Artificial cleansing of the blood (hemodialysis), as is done to treat kidney disease.
Folic acid deficiency anemia is treated by increasing a person’s intake of folic acid (folate).
Current as of: March 28, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD – Internal Medicine