Diagnosis of folic acid deficiency
As always, the first important thing is the conversation between the doctor and the patient. Afterwards an examination of the blood is essential for the diagnosis. Here, among other things, a large blood count and a blood smear are made, with which the shape of the red blood cells can be viewed.
These are increased in the case of folic acid deficiency anemia (anaemia). In addition, various values are collected which can indicate the cause of anemia. To determine a causal folic acid deficiency, the folic acid level in the blood is determined.
In rare cases, a bone marrow examination is necessary to clarify the cause. In the case of a folic acid deficiency, the hemoglobin value (the pigment of the red blood cells), the erythrocyte count (number of red blood cells) and/or the hematocrit (proportion of red blood cells in the volume of blood) is reduced, since the formation of blood cells is reduced due to the folic acid deficiency. This affects not only the red blood cells, but all blood cells.
However, the formation of hemoglobin (the red blood cell pigment) is not affected. Therefore, the red blood cells are enlarged and have a higher hemoglobin content than healthy people. In addition, the iron level is often elevated.
Course of disease with folic acid deficiency
Taking folic acid improves the symptoms. However, a little patience is required until the complete deficiency is compensated. In alcoholics, who often suffer from a folic acid deficiency, a complete abstention from alcohol significantly improves the course of the disease and the prognosis.
The duration of therapy depends on the severity and cause of the folic acid deficiency. In addition to treating the cause, folic acid tablets are always given. In some cases, it is advisable to take them even after the deficiency has already been compensated in order to prevent a recurrence.
This is the case, for example, in diseases with a deteriorated food intake. As a rule, no long-term consequences remain after a successful therapy of folic acid deficiency. The anemia recedes again.
Folic acid deficiency does not normally lead to further severe symptoms. However, if rare neurological symptoms do occur, these cannot be reversed. In the early stages, however, they are usually reversible.
