Serum folate and folic acid binding proteins in iron deficiency anaemia

Abstract

Serum and red cell folate and folic acid binding protein (FABP) concentrations were determined on 20 iron deficiency anaemic children of both sexes aged 6--12 years. All cases had haemoglobin level less than 12 gm% or haematocrit less than 36% with low serum iron and elevated unsaturated iron binding capacity. Serum folate levels in the anaemic group was not significantly different from that of normal subjects while red cell folate level was significantly lower in the anaemic group. However, all cases had red cell folate levels higher than 100 ng/ml. There was a direct relationship between the haemoglobin concentration and serum folate level. Serum FABP level in the anaemic group was found to be significantly higher than that of normal subjects and showed no correlation with haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum or red cell folate levels. The significance of elevated serum FABP was discussed.