When folate is low, cell division and blood cell formation slow down; a classic outcome is a tendency toward megaloblastic anemia. Symptoms can include fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, pallor, and shortness of breath. Mouth sores, a sensitive tongue, appetite changes, and in some people attention or memory complaints may occur. In pregnancy, inadequate folate is a key risk area for fetal neural tube development. If deficiency is suspected, it should be assessed alongside vitamin B12, iron/ferritin, and a complete blood count—one lab value in isolation is rarely a robust decision base.