Learn about folate deficiency symptoms, diseases it causes, and the best treatment and prevention methods.
Folate (vitamin B9) plays an important part in our health. It is a fat-soluble vitamin with a significant function in DNA synthesis, cell division, and haemoglobin production.
Folate is of special interest during periods of rapid growth, eg, pregnancy and infancy.
If there is not enough of this essential nutrient in your body, it can cause a lot of health problems.
Let’s explore folate deficiency symptoms, causes, associated diseases, and how to treat and prevent it.
Folate Importance For The Body
Folic acid is an important factor for maintaining healthy body conditions.
It serves to make red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the blood network.
If there is not enough folate to support normal red cell production, red cell production is decreased, and fatigue, muscle weakness, and all the related folate deficiency symptoms.
It is also beneficial for DNA repair and cell proliferation which ensures the normal development of tissues and organs.
Pregnant women, above all others, need folate, as it protects against birth defects in the infant.
Maternal and child health would be worse off in the absence of it, as both mothers and children are at risk of severe illness.
Diseases Linked To Folate Deficiency
Low folate status can give rise to a wide variety of medical problems and folate deficiency symptoms
Megaloblastic Anemia
This condition arises from abnormal large immature red cells being produced by the body.
In other words, these cells are no longer able to operate normally which manifests as fatigue, paleness, and dyspnea.
Folate deficiency is one of the most common causes of this type of anemia.
Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
Folate depletion during gestation increases the incidence of neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida and anencephaly) in the baby. All of these are major congenital abnormalities of the brain or spinal cord.
Heart Disease Risk
Folate normalizes homocysteine in blood concentrations, a brain amino acid that in excess has been associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases.
One of the folate deficiency symptoms is the increase in the level of homocysteine, leading to an increase in the morbidity risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
Causes Of Folate Deficiency Symptoms
The explanation of folate deficiency is of the utmost importance for the solution. Several factors can cause low folate levels, including:
- Poor Diet: Foods rich in folate, like leafy greens, citrus fruits, and legumes, are often missing from people’s meals.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption impairs folate absorption and elevates folate elimination from body fluids.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease damage the bowel and reduce folate uptake.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During these phases, the body requires higher amounts of folate than usual, and thus people are more prone to folate deficiency symptoms if intake falls short of the recommended value.
- Medications: Some drugs like methotrexate or anticonvulsants can change the absorption or metabolism of folate.
Diagnosis And Symptoms Of Folate Deficiency
Folate deficiency symptoms are variable depending on the severity and the duration of the deficit. Common signs include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Mouth sores or swollen tongue
- Irritability or mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
At the more acute stage, symptoms are similar to megaloblastic anemia with significantly higher weakness, vertigo, or palpitations.
Diagnosis of folate deficiency is routinely made by red cell size and folate assays of the blood.
A medical history examination may also identify underlying aetiologies (e.g., diet or comorbidity), a medical history review is also of value.
Treatment Options For Folate Deficiency
If diagnosed, folate deficiency is generally easy to treat. Two primary approaches include dietary changes and supplements.
Folate-Rich Foods
Perhaps the best natural approach to improving vitamin folate levels in ones diet is eating more folate-enriched foodstuffs. Some excellent sources include:
- Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits
- Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans
- Fortified cereals and bread
- Avocado and broccoli
A balanced diet regimen with these nutritional components guarantees an adequate intake of folate into the body providing functional homeostasis.
Folate Supplements
In some instances dietary interventions only are not sufficient, especially if deficiency is very high.
Folate supplements (synthetic folic acid) are an excellent means to rapidly restore folate levels.
Supplements are commonly advised to [pregnant women] by doctors to avoid congenital malformations in fetuses or patients having gastrointestinal malformations.
Please follow the prescribed dose and duration during folate supplement use.
Preventing Folate Deficiency
Prevention is always better than cure. Below are some practical tips to maintain healthy folate levels.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Please ensure that your meals contain vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Incorporating folate-rich foods regularly can help prevent folate deficiency symptoms.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol restriction or avoidance from alcohol is employed to improve nutrient uptake and overall health.
Consider Fortified Foods
Many food items, such as cereals and breads, are additionally enriched with folic acid, a safe way to supplement folate intake.
Supplement When Needed
If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or at risk of deficiency due to medical conditions or medications, consult a doctor about taking folic acid supplements.
Monitor Health Conditions
Stay informed of medical conditions that may hinder nutrient absorption and have routine screenings if you have any chronic medical condition.
Conclusion
Folate is one of the key nutrients that your body utilizes to perform essential roles including DNA synthesis and red cell production.
Lack of folate may lead to several severe health problems, such as megaloblastic anemia, congenital abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, and other folate deficiency symptoms.
Causes of folate deficiency range from dietary depletion to underlying medical conditions, but it is a treatable disorder with appropriate diagnosis and management.
By the use of a folate-rich diet, avoiding food and drinks rich in alcohol, and supplementation when needed, normal folate status can be obtained and complications can be avoided.
