Causes of Folate-Deficiency Anemia
Folate-deficiency anemia is a type of anemia characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells due to a deficiency in folate (also known as folic acid), a crucial B vitamin. Folate plays a vital role in the production and growth of red blood cells. Being a water-soluble vitamin, folate cannot be stored in the body for extended periods, typically lasting around four months. Therefore, it is essential to consume foods rich in folate daily to meet the body’s requirements. There are several reasons that may lead to the development of folate-deficiency anemia, some of which are outlined below:
Dietary Factors
Many individuals who adhere to an irregular diet or have insufficient sources of folate are at risk of developing folate deficiency. This risk is particularly elevated in individuals who consume alcohol excessively. To mitigate this risk, it is important to include folate-rich foods in your diet, such as brown rice, broccoli, peas, asparagus, and chickpeas.
Maldigestion and Malabsorption
Certain health issues may disrupt the digestive system’s ability to effectively absorb folate from food, leading to lower folate levels in the body. Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease can significantly impact folate absorption.
Excessive Urination
Health problems that result in increased urination can lead to significant loss of folate from the body. These conditions include:
- Long-term dialysis, which involves the use of a machine to remove waste from the blood, compensating for kidney function.
- Acute liver diseases, often resulting from excessive alcohol consumption.
- Congestive heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively throughout the body.
Medications
The absorption of folate can also be affected by specific medications, including:
- Barbiturates
- Triamterene
- Phenytoin
- Sulfasalazine
- Pyrimethamine
- Methotrexate
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
Pregnancy
It is critical for pregnant women to intake higher amounts of folate due to fetal requirements and reduced absorption capacity during pregnancy. A deficiency in folate can significantly increase the risk of fetal neural tube defects affecting the brain, spinal cord, and spinal column. Therefore, it is recommended that women planning to conceive take daily folate supplements up to the 12th week of pregnancy to prevent such birth defects and ensure proper fetal growth and development. It’s important to note that certain health issues during pregnancy may also influence folate levels; thus, ongoing consultation with a healthcare provider is essential. Pregnant women with diabetes, in particular, may require higher doses of folate.
Other Causes
Numerous other factors may contribute to folate-deficiency anemia, including:
- Congenital malformations that impair the digestive system’s ability to absorb folate, which necessitate prompt treatment to prevent long-term health issues.
- Hemolytic anemia
- Genetic disorders affecting methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), impacting the body’s ability to convert folate into its active form for utilization.
- Increased bodily demand for folate beyond the normal levels due to various health conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Inflammatory diseases and certain infections
- Inherited and non-inherited blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia
Risk Factors for Folate-Deficiency Anemia
Several factors can elevate the risk of folate-deficiency anemia, including:
- Following a weight-loss diet
- Consuming an unhealthy diet lacking in fruits and vegetables, particularly among the elderly and in impoverished regions
- Overcooking food
For more information about anemia, consider reading the following article: ([[Causes, Treatment, Symptoms of Anemia, and Benefits of Folic Acid]]).