Anemia resulting from too little folic acid , needed for red-blood-cell maturation (see erythrocyte ).
White-cell and platelet levels are also often low. Progressive gastrointestinal problems develop. It may result from poor diet or from malabsorption, cirrhosis of the liver, or anticonvulsant drugs; it may also occur in the last three months of pregnancy and in severe hemolytic anemia (in which red cells break down). The blood profile resembles that of pernicious anemia . Taking folic acid causes rapid improvement; an adequate diet cures cases caused by malnutrition.