<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

This is not to be used as medical advice.

This is in response to the folic acid question posted in the 1/15/98 list:

Folic acid will mask some of the symptoms of Pernicious Anemia.  The most
common cause of PA is Vitamin B-12 deficiency.  Gastric mucosal atrophy can
decrease the absorption of B-12.  In addition to the anemia, PA  is also
has a neurological component.  Folic acid does treat the anemia but the
neurological problems can continue.  Interestingly, neurological
involvement may be present even without anemia.   Injectable B-12 is used
to treat PA.  Again, it is not folic acid side effects that are of concern,
it is the masking of the PA symptoms.  Your physician needs to be aware if
you are taking folic acid supplements.

Hope this brief explanation helps.

gary