Folate Deficiency Anemia: Care Instructions

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Your Care Instructions

Folate is a B vitamin. It's also called folic acid. Your body uses it to make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.

When you don't have enough folate, your body has a hard time making red blood cells. This can cause a problem called anemia. Anemia means that you don't have enough red blood cells.

You can take a folate supplement every day to treat this kind of anemia. In most cases, it gets better in 5 to 7 days. But if you have another health problem, your doctor may want you to keep taking folate after the anemia goes away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
  • Ask your doctor how much folate you need every day. Eat foods that are high in folate.
    • Foods high in folate include fortified breakfast cereals and breads. They also include liver, avocado, asparagus, spinach, strawberries, oranges and orange juice, and wheat germ. You can read food labels to see how much folate is in food.
    • Eat vegetables raw or lightly steamed. This is best way to prepare them if you want to get as much folate as possible.
  • Ask your doctor if you should take a daily vitamin that includes folic acid.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You are dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint.
  • Your fatigue and weakness continue or get worse.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

  • You are confused or can't think clearly.
  • You think you might be pregnant.
  • You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter W750 in the search box to learn more about "Folate Deficiency Anemia: Care Instructions".

Current as of: October 13, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine