Folate deficiency is associated with which red blood cell morphology?

Folate deficiency is primarily associated with macrocytic red blood cells. This morphology is characterized by larger-than-normal red blood cells due to impaired DNA synthesis, which leads to megaloblastic anemia. In folate deficiency, the lack of this essential vitamin prevents proper cell division, resulting in the increased size of the cells as they develop.

As red blood cells mature, they require adequate folate for effective DNA replication and division; without it, the cells cannot divide properly even though they may accumulate cytoplasm, leading to this macrocytic appearance. This is a distinctive feature that can be seen on a complete blood count and is often a key diagnostic indicator for clinicians assessing patients for nutritional deficiencies, particularly in the case of anemia related to folate.