Folate deficiency anemia results from lower-than-normal levels of folate in the body. It causes symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and light-headedness.

Causes of folate deficiency anemia include:

• Not getting enough folate or folic acid in the diet.
• An increased need for folate, as can happen during pregnancy or with certain diseases, such as sickle cell disease.
• Drinking too much alcohol.
• Certain medicines.
• Artificial cleansing of the blood (hemodialysis), as is done to treat kidney disease.

Folate deficiency anemia is treated by increasing a person's intake of folate or folic acid supplements.