Folate deficiency history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

History and Symptoms

Diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss can occur. Additional signs are weakness, sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, and behavioral disorders.[1]

Women with folate deficiency who become pregnant are more likely to give birth to low birth weight and premature infants, and infants with neural tube defects.

In adults, anemia (Macrocytic, Megaloblastic anemia) is a sign of advanced folate deficiency.

In infants and children, folate deficiency can slow growth rate.

Late studies suggested an involvement in tumorogenesis (especially in colon) through demethylation/hypomethylation of fast replicating tissues.

Some of these symptoms can also result from a variety of medical conditions other than folate deficiency. It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given.

History

History presents a pivotal role in determining the causative agent of the folate deficiency anemia.The patients of folate deficiency anemia may present with a positive history of:

  • Pregnancy or Lactation
  • Malabsorption
  • Decreased dietary intake
  • Chronic disease like history of chronic hemolytic anemia or Exfoliative dermatitis
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Use of certain medication like Methotrexate, Phenytoin and Sulphonamide,Trimethoprim
  • history of chronic renal failure on hemodialysis

Common symptoms

  • Sore tongue
  • Anorexia
  • Slow growth rate
  • Depression
  • Dementia

Less common symptoms

  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

References

  1. Haslam N and Probert CS. (1998). "An audit of the investigation and treatment of folic acid deficiency". Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 91 (2): 72–3. PMID 9602741.

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