Folate deficiency classification

There is no established system for the classification of Folate deficiency. However, it can be classified into different categories,based on the causative factors.

There is no established system for the classification of Folate deficiency. However, it can be classified as follows :^[1]

Some situations that increase the need for folate, may lead to folate deficiency in the body. These include:

• Hemorrhage
• Kidney dialysis
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy and lactation^[2]
• Alcohol consumption
• Malignancy

Medications can interfere with folate utilization, including:

• Anticonvulsant medications e.g phenytoin
• Metformin 
• Methotrexate, an anti-cancer drug also used as an anti-inflammatory
• Sulfasalazine, used in Inflammatory bowel syndrome
• Birth control pills

• Defects in folate metabolism
• Defects in folate absorption

• A diet low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals

• superoxides can inactivate folate

• Vitamin B12 deficiency causes “folate trap” and inhibits the utilization of folate in the body
• Chronic alcoholism leads to increased excretion of folate into bile
• Excessive urinary excretion as in chronic dialysis

• Hypothyroidism which leads to decreased hepatic levels of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase

• celiac disease
• tropical sprue
• achlorhydria
• bacterial overgrowth in blind loops
• strictures
• adhesions
• diverticula

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