Alternative Names & Classifications:
Folate Deficiency Anemia (CLINICAL)
Description
Folate is absolutely critical for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, making it essential for cells with rapid turnover rates, such as red blood cells. A deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia, where red blood cells are abnormally large, fragile, and few in number. It is especially dangerous during early pregnancy, where lack of folate causes severe neural tube defects in the developing fetus.