What type of anemia can result from folate deficiency, particularly in alcoholics?

Folate deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia due to its crucial role in DNA synthesis and cell division. When there is insufficient folate, the body cannot produce healthy red blood cells (RBCs) effectively, resulting in the formation of large, dysfunctional RBCs characteristic of megaloblastic anemia. This is often seen in patients with poor dietary intake of folate, such as alcoholics, who may have an inadequate diet and impaired absorption of nutrients.

In contrast, other types of anemia, such as microcytic anemia, are primarily associated with iron deficiency or certain chronic diseases, where red blood cells are smaller than normal. Hemolytic anemia results from the destruction of RBCs, and normocytic anemia usually indicates a normal size of red blood cells but a reduced number, often linked to chronic illness or acute blood loss. Thus, the defining feature of megaloblastic anemia — the presence of megaloblasts and the impact of folate deficiency — clearly establishes why this option is the correct answer.