Abstract
Folic acid was assayed microbiologically in whole blood in a group of infants hospitalized for diarrhea, various infections, and malnutrition. Folic acid activity was decreased in the majority of cases. In some of the infants very low levels were observed. The value of the determination of folic acid in whole blood as a sensitive index of the folic acid status of an individual was confirmed by parallel observations on bone marrow morphology and the level of folic acid in serum. Folinic acid levels were within the normal range in most cases. Low folinic acid levels were common only when folic acid was extremely low. Many patients with low folic acid levels were not anemic, or mildly anemic. In the anemic patients a hypochromic microcytic blood picture was the rule. The effect of treatment with folic acid on the general condition of the patients was more striking than the hematological response.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
