A 31-year-old patient sought online help. She is postpartum and currently breastfeeding. She complains of dry skin and weakness. We see a decrease in folic acid, which caused anemia. Vitamin D and total calcium are also decreased: Folic acid 2.3 ng/mL (normal 3.1 - 19.9) Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 294 pg/mL (normal 180 - 914) 25-OH vitamin D, total (calciferol) 14.0 ng/mL (normal from 30) Total calcium 2.14 mmol/L (normal 2.2 - 2.65) Iron 13.2 µmol/L (normal 10.7 - 32.2) Pregnancy and the postpartum period are the most common causes of folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency. This vitamin is actively consumed for fetal growth, so it is important to monitor it. Take multivitamin supplements recommended by a doctor at the women’s clinic. It is also useful to get tested for genetic mutations in the MTHFR, MTR, MTRR genes and homocysteine concentration before pregnancy. These tests are necessary to understand folic acid metabolism in a woman’s body during pregnancy. More details in our article here: www.leukoformula.com/post/hyperhomocysteinemia Disruption of folic acid metabolism during pregnancy can lead to a teratogenic effect (the occurrence of malformations and deformities in the fetus).
Folic Acid Deficiency and Anemia During Lactation
A clinical case review of anemia due to folic acid and vitamin D deficiency in a breastfeeding woman. Evaluation of complete blood count and biochemistry.
