Folic Acid versus Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

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Folic Acid versus Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

Folic acid deficiency:

  • Green vegetables are a potent source of folic acid.
  • In infants, goat milk feedings are a common cause of folic acid deficiency, as goat milk is deficient in folic acid.
  • Infants with folic acid deficiency usually present by seven months of age with chronic diarrhea and irritability. In addition, they do not gain weight as expected.
  • Laboratory findings: Low serum folate. Normal to increased vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency:
  • Humans cannot make vitamin B12, so it is obtained predominately from the intake of meat in the diet. Thus, vegetarians and vegans develop vitamin B12 deficiency at a much higher rate than the general population.
  • In infants, vitamin B12 deficiency is often seen in children born to mothers who are deficient in vitamin B12.
  • It presents by six months of age as a weak baby who does not grow as expected.
  • It is of note that vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with adverse nervous system effects.
  • Laboratory findings: Normal serum folate. Decreased vitamin B12.