Folate deficiency risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Several factors may put a person at risk for developing Folate deficiency.These include the presence of congenital defect, malabsorptive disorder and alcohol abuse. Certain medications use are also associated with higher risk for developing Folate deficiency.

Several factors may put a person at risk for developing Folate deficiency.These include the presence of congenital defect, malabsorptive disorder and alcohol abuse. Certain medications use are also associated with higher risk for developing Folate deficiency.

• Common risk factors in the development of Folate deficiency include:
  • Low dietary folate intake
  • Age >65 years
  • Alcoholism
  • Pregnant or lactating mothers
  • Prematurity
  • Intestinal malabsorptive disorders e.g. celiac disease, tropical sprue, jejunal resection, inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • Use of drugs e.g. trimethoprim, methotrexate, anticonvulsants, sulfasalazine, or pyrimethamine
  • Infantile intake of goats’ milk which is low in folate content
  • States of increased cell turnover e.g. chronic hemolysis

• Less common risk factors in the development of Folate deficiency include:
  • Congenital defects in folate absorption and metabolism
  • Intake of special diet
  • Chronic dialysis

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