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Folate deficiency, also known as vitamin B 9 deficiency, is a low level of folate and derivatives in the body. [1] This may result in megaloblastic anemia in which red blood cells become abnormally large, and folate deficiency anemia is the term given for this medical condition. [3] Signs of folate deficiency are often subtle. [4]
As folate is vital in the first trimester of pregnancy for healthy fetal development, the use of antifolates is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy and carries significant teratogenic risk. Low doses of methotrexate can deplete folate stores and cause side-effects that are similar to folate deficiency. Both high-folate diets and supplemental ...
Normal MMA levels indicate folate deficiency and elevated MMA levels indicate vitamin B 12 deficiency. [98] Elevated MMA levels may also be due to the rare metabolic disorder combined malonic and methylmalonic aciduria (CMAMMA). [117] [118] Folate deficiency is treated with supplemental oral folic acid of 400 to 1000 μg per day.
A deficiency of folate itself does not cause neural tube defects. The association seen between reduced neural tube defects and folic acid supplementation is due to a gene-environment interaction such as vulnerability caused by the C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variant.
Megaloblastic anemia, the most common cause of macrocytic anemia, is due to a deficiency of either vitamin B 12, folic acid, or both. [81] Deficiency in folate or vitamin B 12 can be due either to inadequate intake or insufficient absorption. Folate deficiency normally does not produce neurological symptoms, while B 12 deficiency does.
3. Folic Acid. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin found naturally in many foods. If you eat lots of dark leafy greens (like broccoli, spinach and asparagus), beans, nuts, seeds ...
Serum levels above 50 μg/L are associated with side effects. In rare cases, sulfasalazine can cause severe depression in young males. It can also cause oligospermia and temporary infertility. Immune thrombocytopenia has been reported. [12] Sulfasalazine inhibits dihydropteroate synthase, and can cause folate deficiency and megaloblastic anemia.
One important note: Excess biotin can also "cause incorrect results in certain laboratory tests that look at thyroid levels and blood markers that can help diagnose heart attacks," says Dr. Castillo.