Folic acid deficiency anemia

Folic acid deficiency anemia may be suspected from general findings from a complete medical history and physical examination. In addition, several tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Alcoholism is a common cause of folic acid deficiency anemia. Alcohol interferes with the absorption of several nutrients especially the B vitamins, folate.

Folic acid deficiency anemia, an abnormally low level of folic acid (one of the B vitamins), results in anemia characterized by red blood cells that are large in size but few in number, which can cause a type of anemia known as megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia.