Megaloblastic anemia

Blood and lymphoreticular system

Traumatic, mechanical, and vascular disorders

Summary

Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia caused by deficiencies in folic acid (folate) or vitamin B12. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are essential for DNA synthesis, and thus the production of healthy red blood cells. Megaloblastic anemia is characterized by large, nucleated red blood cell precursors which don't divide and produce more red blood cells as normal precursor cells do. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.