Research has shown that a lack of folate in the body can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a general term that describes heart or blood vessel disease, such as coronary heart disease (CHD). Anemia is a condition in which you have too few red blood cells. Anemia can starve tissues of the oxygen they need because red blood cells carry oxygen.
Untreated folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and pancytopenia. In addition, it can cause glossitis, angular stomatitis, and oral ulcers. Folic acid deficiency is also known to present neuropsychiatric manifestations, such as depression, irritability, insomnia, cognitive impairment, fatigue and psychosis. Folate deficiency anemia is a decrease in red blood cells (anemia) due to a lack of folate.
Folate is a type of vitamin B. It is also called folic acid. The best way to prevent folate deficiency is to eat a healthy diet that includes foods that contain folate or folic acid. If you have low folate levels due to an intestinal problem, you may need treatment for the rest of your life.
