Anemia is a condition that happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. One reason could be that you don’t have enough hemoglobin to make red blood cells. That’s a protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout the body. You can also become anemic by not getting enough folate (vitamin B9), the natural form of folic acid found in foods.
Folate deficiency anemia is prevented and treated by eating a healthy diet. This includes foods rich in folic acid, such as nuts, leafy green vegetables, enriched breads and cereals, and fruit. Your doctor will also likely prescribe you a daily folic acid supplement. If your folate levels return to normal, you may be able to stop taking it. But some people need a supplement for life.
How Is It Diagnosed?
To check for folate deficiency anemia, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They might also order blood tests and a complete blood count (CBC) test to measure the number and appearance of your red blood cells. If you have a lack of folate, your red blood cells look large and immature.
Your Family, Our Responsibility !