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.
Last Revised: December 14, 2010
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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