Folic acid deficiency anemia results from lower-than-normal levels
of folic acid in the body. It causes symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, a pale
appearance, 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.
- Difficulty absorbing folic acid.
- Certain
medications.
- Artificial cleansing of the blood (hemodialysis), as is done to
treat kidney disease.
Alcoholism is a common cause of folic acid deficiency anemia, as
are certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia. Folic
acid deficiency anemia is treated by increasing a person's intake of folic acid
(folate). With treatment, people usually recover from folic acid deficiency
anemia within 2 weeks to 2 months.
