Folate deficiency

Dietary modifications are important in populations consuming folate-poor diets.[63]Cordero JF, Do A, Berry RJ. Review of interventions for the prevention and control of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Food Nutr Bull. 2008 Jun;29(2 suppl):S188-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18709892?tool=bestpractice.com The main dietary sources of folate are green leafy vegetables, legumes, some fruits, and fortified cereals.

Reducing alcohol intake is essential in folate deficiency caused by alcohol-use disorder. Drugs causing folate deficiency should be avoided if possible to prevent ongoing deficiency.

Any underlying cause (e.g., tropical sprue and coeliac disease [non-tropical sprue]) should be diagnosed and treated. Compliance with daily folate intake and follow-up are essential to achieve complete cure.