Abstract
The occurrence and severity of folic acid deficiency during pregnancy was studied by a folic acid absorption test and measurement of serum folic acid in over 250 patients. The time required to clear folic acid from the plasma was increased in almost 70% of the subjects and in all patients with twin pregnancies. This reflects a condition of folic acid deficiency and is likely due to the fetal requirement for folic acid being greater than dietary intake though impaired folic acid absorption may also play a part. The rate of clearance of folic acid from plasma was more rapid in patients with megaloblastic anemia of pregnancy. It is likely that the same factors involved in folic acid deficiency during normal pregnancy are also responsible for the more severe condition in patients with megaloblastic anemia.
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