<P> Folate deficiency is a low level of folic acid and derivatives in the body . Also known as vitamin B9, folate is involved in adenosine, guanine, and thymidine synthesis (part of DNA synthesis). Signs of folate deficiency are often subtle . Anemia is a late finding in folate deficiency and folate deficiency anemia is the term given for this medical condition . It is characterized by the appearance of large - sized, abnormal red blood cells (megaloblasts), which form when there are inadequate stores of folic acid within the body . </P> <P> Loss of appetite and weight loss can occur . Additional signs are weakness, sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, and behavioral disorders . In adults, anemia (macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia) can be a sign of advanced folate deficiency . </P> <P> Women with folate deficiency who become pregnant are more likely to give birth to low birth weight premature infants, and infants with neural tube defects . In infants and children, folate deficiency can lead to failure to thrive or slow growth rate, diarrhea, oral ulcers, megaloblastic anemia, neurological deterioration . Microcephaly, irritability, developmental delay, seizures, blindness and cerebellar ataxia can also be observed . </P> <P> A deficiency of folate can occur when the body's need for folate is increased, when dietary intake or absorption of folate is inadequate, or when the body excretes (or loses) more folate than usual . Medications that interfere with the body's ability to use folate may also increase the need for this vitamin . Some research indicates that exposure to ultraviolet light, including the use of tanning beds, can lead to a folate deficiency . The deficiency is more common in pregnant women, infants, children, and adolescents . It may also be due to poor diet or a consequence of alcoholism . </P>

A disorder in infants that is associated with inadequate intake of folate during pregnancy is
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