What are common causes of folate deficiency anemia?

What are common causes of folate deficiency anemia?

• A. Dietary deficiency, malabsorption, certain drugs
• B. Genetic mutations only
• C. Excess iron intake
• D. Chronic infections

Answer: (A)

Folate deficiency anemia arises when folate is not available in enough quantities to support DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, leading to macrocytic, megaloblastic red cells. The most common causes are inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption in the small intestine, and drugs that disrupt folate metabolism (such as methotrexate, certain anticonvulsants, and folate antagonists like some antibiotics). This combination—not taking in enough folate, problems absorbing it, or drugs that block its use—best explains why folate deficiency occurs. In contrast, excessive iron intake or chronic infections aren’t typical primary causes of folate deficiency, and while rare genetic defects in folate metabolism exist, they’re not the usual contributors.

Folate deficiency anemia arises when folate is not available in enough quantities to support DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, leading to macrocytic, megaloblastic red cells. The most common causes are inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption in the small intestine, and drugs that disrupt folate metabolism (such as methotrexate, certain anticonvulsants, and folate antagonists like some antibiotics). This combination—not taking in enough folate, problems absorbing it, or drugs that block its use—best explains why folate deficiency occurs. In contrast, excessive iron intake or chronic infections aren’t typical primary causes of folate deficiency, and while rare genetic defects in folate metabolism exist, they’re not the usual contributors.