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Folate Deficiency Anaemia is a type of megaloblastic anaemia caused by insufficient folate, also known as vitamin B9. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and the production of healthy red blood cells. When the body lacks enough folate, red blood cells may become unusually large, immature, and less effective at carrying oxygen.

Common causes include inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, increased nutritional requirements during pregnancy, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications that interfere with folate metabolism. Symptoms may develop gradually and can include persistent tiredness, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Unlike vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency usually does not cause neurological symptoms.
Diagnosis commonly involves a complete blood count, blood smear examination, and measurement of folate and vitamin B12 levels. Identifying the underlying cause is important because similar blood changes can occur with other nutritional deficiencies.

Treatment generally involves improving dietary folate intake and taking prescribed folic acid supplements. Foods rich in folate include leafy green vegetables, beans, lentils, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals. Vitamin B12 deficiency should be excluded before folic acid treatment because folic acid may improve anaemia while allowing neurological complications of untreated B12 deficiency to progress. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment usually lead to good recovery.