Folate deficiency
- Replace folic acid and correct the cause
- Check vitamin B12 before treating unexplained macrocytosis alone
- Hematologic response is usually rapid
- Pregnancy prevention uses routine folate supplementation
- Higher doses are used for selected high-risk states
- Untreated B12 deficiency can progress neurologically despite folate
Use at a glance
- Replace folic acid and correct the cause
Practical pearls
- Hematologic response is usually rapid
- Untreated B12 deficiency can progress neurologically despite folate
Other practical pearls
- Pregnancy prevention uses routine folate supplementation
Choosing treatment
- Check vitamin B12 before treating unexplained macrocytosis alone
- Higher doses are used for selected high-risk states
Self-check
- What is checked before treating unexplained macrocytosis with folate alone?
Vitamin B12 before treating unexplained macrocytosis alone. - Can folate prevent neurologic progression from untreated B12 deficiency?
No.
Drugs used for this (1)
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