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