Megaloblastic anemia is a decrease in the amount of oxygen-
carrying substance (hemoglobin) found in red blood cells. A
person with this condition has low numbers of abnormally large,
immature red blood cells that do not function properly.
Megaloblastic anemia can be caused by a folic acid deficiency or
vitamin B12 deficiency. Medical care for megaloblastic anemia is
based on identifying and treating the cause of the anemia. Last
Revised: December 14, 2010 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical
Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Brian
Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology To learn more visit
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