Folate Deficiency Folate is important in the formation of red blood cells, and is commonly found in fruits and vegetables.  Folate deficiency is often found in alcoholics, people with a poor diet, and in people who overcook their food.  Some medications interfere with the absorption of folate. Blood tests show megaloblastic anemia -- blood count is extremely low, and red blood cells are enlarged. Inflamed tongue Poor appetite Diarrhea Folate deficiency is seen most often in alcoholics and in people who do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. Medicines such as phenytoin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and sulfasalazine can interfere with folate absorption in the intestines, leading to folate deficiency. Pregnant women, people with hemolytic anemia, and people with certain skin diseases, need more folate than normal.  They can become folate-deficient unless treated with supplemental folate. Patients on dialysis can also develop a folate deficiency. The liver stores enough folate to last 2-3 months. Red blood cell folate -- a blood test that measures the level of folate in the body Blood tests show anemia (low blood counts) Red blood cells are much bigger than normal. A blood specialist can look at the blood and see certain other changes. Bone marrow biopsy can be done to help make the diagnosis, but it is usually not needed Folate deficiency is treated with oral folate -- 1mg. per day. Blood counts return to normal within 2 months. A healthy diet will help prevent folate deficiency.  Folate is found in fruits and vegetables, especially in citrus and green leafy vegetables. It is also found in beans, legumes, wheat bran, shellfish, pork, poultry, and liver. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Myelodysplasia Alcoholic Liver Disease Hypothyroidism People taking certain HIV-related medicines (particularly Zidovudine)