Reversible malabsorption of folic acid in the elderly with nutritional folate deficiency

In normal subjects, the folic acid absorption (TRIFA test) was independent of age and sex. Among 53 geriatric patients with nutritional folate deficiency, impaired absorption of folic acid was present in 19 (36%). After treatment with folic acid for 4 weeks, the absorption returned to normal. It is concluded that folate deficiency per se can produce a malabsorption syndrome resulting in further depletion of folate. Protein deficiency and weight loss alone do not impair the absorption of folic acid.