Final answer:
Megaloblastic anemia results from an inadequate intake of folic acid, often caused by diets poor in essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate. Correction of this anemia involves dietary changes or supplementation to ensure adequate intake of these vitamins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of anemia that results from an inadequate intake of folic acid is megaloblastic anemia. This condition is a vitamin deficiency anemia that generally involves insufficient intake of essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate. Diets that lack meat, viable alternate sources of these vitamins, or overcooking lead to this deficiency. Additionally, eating insufficient amounts of vegetables can result in a folate deficiency.
During pregnancy, it is essential to have sufficient folic acid to reduce the risk of birth defects such as neural tube defects and anemia. In general, megaloblastic anemia often involves diets deficient in these essential nutrients and can be corrected with dietary changes or supplementation.