Patient was educated on risk factors for folate deficiency as follows: Injury to small intestine Folate is normally absorbed in the small intestine. Any injury to small intestine, such as, in individuals with Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, can result in poor folate absorption. Individuals with history of small intestine resection can have reduced site of folate absorption, contributing to compromised folate absorption and deficiency. Pregnancy In pregnant women, folate helps with normal growth of [...]

Patient was educated on risk factors for folate deficiency as follows: Malnutrition Major source of folate, being dietary, poor nutrition intake in general by malnourished patients is a significant risk factor for folate deficiency. Food choices A portion of folate consumed in the diet is used by the body for metabolic needs. The unused portion of the vitamin is excreted in the urine and is not stored in the body. Since folate is not stored [...]

Patient was educated on sources of folate as follows: Rich animal sources of folate include: Organ meat, such as, liver and kidney, from chicken, turkey, pig, veal, lamb, and beef are very rich sources of folate. Animal products, such as, eggs can also be a decent source of folate. Milk and milk products are poor sources of folate. Rich plant sources of folate include: Vegetables, such as, spinach, lettuce, beetroot, potato, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, and [...]

Patient was educated on signs and symptoms of folate as follows: Folate is required for normal maturation of red blood cells in the human body. Mature red blood cells in circulation help pick up oxygen from the lungs, transport oxygen, and deliver it to the various body tissues. Deficiency of folate can result in compromised and incomplete maturation of red blood cells. This can result in immature red cells in blood circulation that are poorly [...]

Patient was educated on signs and symptoms of folate as follows: Folate is required for normal maturation of red blood cells in the human body. Mature red blood cells in circulation help pick up oxygen from the lungs, transport oxygen, and deliver it to the various body tissues. Deficiency of folate can result in compromised and incomplete maturation of red blood cells. This can result in immature red cells in blood circulation that are poorly [...]