What Is the Difference Between Macrocytic and Megaloblastic Anemia?

Megaloblastic anemia is caused by deficiency or impaired utilization of vitamin B12 and/or folate, whereas nonmegaloblastic macrocytic anemia is caused by various diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), liver dysfunction, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, certain drugs, and by less commonly inherited disorders of ...

Are Macrocytic and megaloblastic anemia the same?

Other names for megaloblastic anemia

Depending on its cause, megaloblastic anemia may also be referred to as: macrocytic anemia, which occurs when RBCs are larger than normal. folic acid deficiency anemia or folate deficiency anemia.

What is macrocytic anemia?

Macrocytic anemia is a type of anemia that causes unusually large red blood cells. Like other types of anemia, macrocytic anemia means that the red blood cells also have low hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that transports oxygen around the body.