Hereditary folate malabsorption (Q84170)

This is a disorder that interferes with the body's ability to absorb certain B vitamins (called folates) from food. Diseased infants are born with normal amounts of folates in their body because they obtain these vitamins from their mother's blood before birth. They generally begin to show signs and symptoms within the first few months of life because their impaired ability to absorb folates from food. They experience diarrhea, failure to gain weight and grow at the expected rate. Affected individuals usually develop a blood disorder called megaloblastic anaemia.