Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia Level 3

What is it?
*Needed for- synthesis of DNA, maturation of RBC’s
*Signs and Symptoms-Anorexia, Weight Loss, Diarrhea, easy
Fatigue, Malnutrition, Smooth/Red Tongue,
Coldness of Extremities, Lethargy, Poor Wound Healing
Facts:
*Caused by- Inadequate Diet, Alcoholism, Intestinal Malabsorption,
Pregnancy
*Similar to B12 deficiency- need High Levels of Folate,
B12 helps Folate Travel in Cells
*Increase Folate- Hepatitis, Burns, Inflammatory Diseases, Cancers, Pregnancy/Lactation, Hemolytic Anemias, Surgery, Infection
*Malabsorption with- Crohn’s disease, Alcoholism, Dialysis, Celiac
Disease, Blind-Loop Syndrome, Acquired/Congenital Megacolon,
Oral Contraceptives, INH for TB, Anticonvulsant
*1 Fresh Fruit per day- needed Folate per day, also in Leafy
Vegetables, Fish, Legumes, Meats, Broccoli, Grapefruit, also in
Fortified Flours, Breads, Rice, Cornmeal, Rice per FDA
*Folic acid/Folate/Folvite-1-5 mg. Folic Acid/day, Vitamin C
promotes absorption
What can I do?
*See your Physician- Schilling test, folate tests, serum B12 level
*See RD- for help as needed *See FFF RD- on line for help
*Diet- 6-8 small meals daily, may need Liquids/Bland/Soft