There are many causes of megaloblastic anemia, but the most common source in children occurs from a vitamin deficiency of folic acid. These include celiac disease, chronic infectious enteritis, and enteroenteric fistulas. Inherited congenital folate malabsorption, a genetic problem in which infants cannot absorb folic acid in their intestines, can lead to megaloblastic anemia. This requires early intensive treatment to prevent long term problems such as mental retardation. The deficiency can usually be treated with a dietary supplement.
Folic acid is present in foods such as green vegetables, liver, and yeast.
It is also produced synthetically and added to many food items. The following are the most common symptoms of megaloblastic anemia. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. Megaloblastic anemia may be suspected from general findings from a complete medical history and physical examination of your child.