What is folate deficiency anemia?

Folate (also called folic acid) is a B vitamin. Your body uses it to make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.

When you don't have enough folate, your body doesn't make enough red blood cells. This is called anemia.

Your doctor may have you take a folic acid supplement every day to treat this kind of anemia. In most cases, it gets better in 5 to 7 days. But if you have another health problem, your doctor may want you to keep taking folic acid after the anemia goes away.

Anemia may make you feel weak and tired, lightheaded, or grouchy. You may lose your appetite and lose weight. And you may be forgetful and have trouble concentrating.

If you think you have anemia, it's important to see your doctor and get tested so you can get the right treatment. Being treated for a shortage of folate when your anemia is caused by something else can be dangerous.

To treat the anemia, you may take folic acid pills each day to bring your folate level back up.

After your folate levels are normal, eat foods rich in folate and folic acid so you don't get anemia again. These foods include breads and cereals fortified with folic acid, citrus fruits, and dark green, leafy vegetables.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health and do a physical exam. You'll have blood tests to check the number of red blood cells and your levels of folate and vitamin B12. Some people have low levels of both of these vitamins. The two problems can cause similar symptoms.

You can take steps at home to improve your health. For example, take your supplements as prescribed. Eat plenty of foods that contain folate (folic acid), like leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and fortified breads and cereals. Also include good sources of vitamin B12: meat, milk, cheese, and eggs.

You can get folate deficiency anemia if:

• You don't eat enough foods that contain folate or folic acid. These include citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals.
• You have a greater need for folate. This might happen if you are pregnant or have some medical problems, such as sickle cell disease.
• Your body doesn't absorb enough folate. This might happen if you have a medical condition like celiac disease or have had certain types of weight-loss surgery.
• You take certain medicines, such as an anti-seizure medicine like phenytoin.

Folate deficiency anemia is a blood problem that occurs when your body doesn't have enough folate (folic acid). This B vitamin helps your body make red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Without enough folate, the body doesn't have enough red blood cells (anemia). Anemia can make you feel weak and tired.