Folate deficiency

Folate Deficiency

Folate deficiency is a medical condition that occurs when the level of folate (vitamin B9) in the body is lower than normal.

Pronunciation

Folate deficiency is pronounced as "foh-layt deh-fish-en-see".

Etymology

The term "folate" is derived from the Latin word "folium", which means leaf. This is because folate is abundant in leafy green vegetables. The term "deficiency" comes from the Latin word "deficere", which means to lack or be deficient.

Symptoms

Symptoms of folate deficiency may include fatigue, poor growth, and changes in the color of skin, hair, or nails. Severe folate deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen to its tissues.

Causes

Folate deficiency can be caused by a diet low in fresh fruits and vegetables, certain medications, and conditions that affect absorption in the digestive system such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease.

Treatment

Treatment for folate deficiency typically involves dietary changes and folate supplements. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a higher dose of folic acid.

Related Terms

• Anemia
• Vitamin B9
• Folic Acid
• Celiac Disease
• Crohn's Disease

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Folate deficiency
• Wikipedia's article - Folate deficiency

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