Anemia

Folic acid is one of the most important supplements in preventive medicine, especially for women before and during early pregnancy, because it reduces the risk of neural tube defects. But for specific people, uncontrolled intake can hide an important deficiency.

Within ten days, two unrelated children were admitted to Rambam Hospital after developing acute red blood cell breakdown during a vacation in Egypt. In both cases, the families were aware of the danger of consuming fava beans but were unaware that Egyptian ta'amiya, which resembles the familiar Israeli falafel, is based on them. One child was hospitalized for several days, while the other required...