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Megaloblastic anemia

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.

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
Last Updated December 19, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 19, 2008
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