Anemia caused by deficiency in Folic Acid or Vitamin B12 might casue Macrocytosis

Dear Ask The Doctor: If you are enemic in your blood disorder. With is Macrocytosis. What should you do?

Dear Jacenta:

When you have anemia which is the decrease in the number of red blood cells and Hemoglobin, certain changes in the size, shape and color of the red blood cells might occur and could guide into the cause of the anemia.

For example, in iron deficiency anemia your red blood cells would become small in size which is known as microcytosis and also pale in color known as hypochromic. On the other hand Anemia caused by deficiency in Folic Acid or Vitamin B 12 might increase the size of the red blood cells causing Macrocytosis. When macrocytosis is shown in blood test, another blood test looking for the levels of folic acid as well as Vitamin B12 and iron studies are ordered to rule out the cause and receive the right treatment.