Which of the following clinical signs is commonly associated with folate deficiency anemia?

Folate deficiency anemia can lead to several clinical symptoms, one of the most notable being angular cheilitis. Angular cheilitis presents as fissures or cracks at the corners of the mouth and is often linked to deficiencies in various vitamins, including folate. This condition arises due to improper cell division and growth, which is particularly affected by low folate levels. Since folate plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and repair, its deficiency can disrupt normal tissue health in the oral cavity, leading to angular cheilitis.

While fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath are common symptoms associated with anemia in general, they are not specific to folate deficiency anemia and can occur due to various types of anemia like iron deficiency or anemia of chronic disease. Angular cheilitis serves as a more direct indicator of folate deficiency, illustrating the specific impact this vitamin has on epithelial health, especially in the oral region. Therefore, recognizing angular cheilitis in a patient may prompt further investigation into their nutritional status, particularly folate levels.