Folate deficiency anemia results from lower-than-normal levels of folate in the body. It causes symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and lightheadedness.
Causes of folate deficiency anemia include:
- Not getting enough folate or folic acid in the diet.
- An increased need for folate, as can happen during pregnancy or with certain diseases, such as sickle cell disease.
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Certain medicines.
- Artificial cleansing of the blood (hemodialysis), as is done to treat kidney disease.
Folate deficiency anemia is treated by increasing a person's intake of folate or folic acid supplements.