Also known as folate, folic acid
Necessary for normal erythropoiesis, purine and thymidylate synthesis, amino acids metabolism, and histidine metabolism
Found in most fruits and vegetables
Recommended daily intake: 400 mcg or 500-600mcg if pregnant or lactating
Total body stores of folate enough to supply requirements for 2–3 mo
Most common cause of<unk>  is inadequate dietary intake, usually secondary to:
Chronic alcohol abuse
Anorexia
Inadequate or overcooked fruit/vegetable intake
Other causes:
Decreased absorption
Tropical sprue
Drugs (phenytoin, sulfasalazine, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)
Increased requirement
Chronic hemolytic anemia
Pregnancy
Exfoliative skin disorders
Folate loss due to hemodialysis
Inhibition of reduction to active form (tetrahydrofolic acid) by methotrexate
Chronic alcohol abuse
Anorexia
Inadequate or overcooked fruit/vegetable intake
Decreased absorption
Tropical sprue
Drugs (phenytoin, sulfasalazine, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)
Increased requirement
Chronic hemolytic anemia
Pregnancy
Exfoliative skin disorders
Folate loss due to hemodialysis
Inhibition of reduction to active form (tetrahydrofolic acid) by methotrexate
Tropical sprue
Drugs (phenytoin, sulfasalazine, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)
Chronic hemolytic anemia
Pregnancy
Exfoliative skin disorders
Vitamin B9 deficiency
Hemorrhage
Vitamin B7 deficiency
Hereditary
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Acquired
Vitamin E deficiency
Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia 