Hematology/Haematology - Anemia/Anaemia: Folate and B12 Deficiency
Recommendations and Evidence
Anemia is characterized by reductions in hemoglobin and/or circulating red blood cell (RBC) mass to below cut-offs specific to age and gender (1). Anemia is generally a sign of a problem as opposed to a disease on its own, so it is important to identify the underlying cause.
Anemia is generally classified into three categories: microcytic, normocytic and macrocytic (1). Deficiency of folate and vitamin B12 can lead to macrocytic anemia as they are both involved in hematopoiesis.
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