Anaemia is a deficiency of red blood cells, which can lead to a lack of oxygen-carrying ability, causing unusual tiredness. Red blood cells are manufactured in the bone marrow and have a life expectancy of approximately four months. Anaemia occurs either through the reduced production of red blood cells or an increased loss of red blood cells.

To produce red blood cells, the body needs, among other things, iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid (one of the B group of vitamins). If there is a lack of one or more of these ingredients anaemia will develop.

If a person is suffering from a lack of folic acid, they may have intestinal problems as well as symptoms of anaemia.

In an otherwise healthy person, symptoms seldom appear before the haemoglobin concentration falls below 10g/dl of blood.
The first symptoms will be loss of energy.
Shortness of breath and dizziness.
If the anaemia is severe, it can result in angina, headache and leg pains (intermittent claudication).

In addition there are a series of symptoms that are unique to folic acid deficiency:

a red, irritated and possibly shiny, tongue.
a reduced sense of taste.
indigestion.
changed bowel movements and often diarrhoea. The symptoms from the intestines are stronger in folic acid rather than B12 deficiency.
in contrast to B12 deficiency there are no symptoms in the nervous system. However, it is possible to suffer from both B12 and folic acid deficiency at the same time.

During an addisonian crisis, low blood pressure, low blood glucose, and high levels of potassium can be life threatening.
During an addisonian crisis, low blood pressure, low blood glucose, and high levels of potassium can be life threatening.


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