Top Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms and How to Combat Them

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is important in generating new cells in the body. It is also responsible for the synthesis of new red blood cells. The body does not store plenty of folic acids, hence, there is a need to replenish the body's supply to maintain folic acid in the blood. Aside from making new cells, folic acid is also required for DNA production and repair.

Since vitamin B9 is water soluble, it cannot be stored in the body. It is expelled via urine.

There are many foods that are rich in folic acids such as brown rice, kidney, liver, broccoli, and many more. By eating a healthy diet, you can consume the right amount of folic acid. However, that may not always be the case.

Symptoms

How can you tell if a person shows folic acid deficiency symptoms? The symptoms of folate deficiency are due to the low amount of oxygen in the body. Watch out for the following that can be possible indications of folic acid deficiency symptoms.

• Getting sick often.
• Poor immune system.
• Getting tired often and feeling of low energy. This is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Anemia
• Retarded growth.
• Canker sores.
• Swollen tongue.
• Skin is paler than normal.
• Early graying of hair.
• Digestive issues such as bloating and constipation.
• Numbness in hands and feet.

Causes of Folate Deficiency

Folic acid deficiency symptoms may manifest due to various factors. The most common cause is not eating enough folate-rich foods. More often than not, the elderly are the ones who do not eat well. Foods that are high in folic are asparagus, chickpeas, brown rice, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts to name a few. There are also fortified breakfast cereals, beans, fruits such as oranges and bananas.

For pregnant women, the growing baby uses folic acid reserves so there is a higher risk of folic acid deficiency.

Some disorders such as celiac disease, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, Crohn's disease can lower the level of folic acid.

Drugs can also have an adverse effect on folic acid such as anticonvulsant meds.

Folic Acid Deficiency Treatment

Treatment is not complicated. Simply take a tablet of folic acid every day until anemia is corrected and the folic acid level in the body is restored.

Folic Acid and Pregnancy

During the first trimester of the pregnancy, extra folic acid is required for all women to prevent spina bifida from happening. Take folic acid regularly before you even get pregnant.

Health Benefits of Folate

Folate is an important component in any pregnancy in order to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Might prevent cancer

Low blood folate levels are related to an increased risk of cancer in the colon, lung, brain, and breast.

Lowers heart problems

Vitamin B9 can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Folic acid is an important vitamin that is needed by the body in order to function properly. Lack of folic acid in the blood can lead to various diseases, therefore, it is important to always consume a healthy and balanced diet.

Resources:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/folic-acid-deficiency-anemia#2

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000354.htm

https://draxe.com/folate-deficiency/