Leucopenia, folic acid

The chemistry, metabolism, and clinical importance of folic acid have been the subject of many excellent reviews (A7, Gil, H14, H20, Rl). Folic acid deficiency leads to a macrocytic anemia and leucopenia. These symptoms are due to inadequate synthesis of nucleic acid. The synthesis of purine bases and of thymine, required for nucleic acid synthesis, is impaired in folic acid deficiency. Detection of folic acid activity in biologic fluids and tissues is of the utmost importance it distinguishes between the various anemias, e.g., those due to vitamin Bi2 or folic acid deficiency. Because morphology of the abnormal red cell does not help in diagnosing vitamin deficiency, one must rely on assay methods for differential diagnosis. Treatment of pernicious anemia with folic acid has led to subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord despite... 

Therapy. Folic acid deficiency in humans results in macrocytic anemia accompanied by leucopenia (RDA, 1980). Folic acid in daily doses of about 5 mg orally is adequate therapy for deficiency cases (Table 10). 

Folic acid deficiency, when it occurs, results more commonly from a failure of utilization than from an inadequate dietary intake. It is manifested by macrocytic anaemia and leucopenia. As the name suggests, green leaves are good sources so is yeast. 

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