The vitamin B folate is crucial for making DNA, repairing DNA, making red blood cells, and preventing birth defects in the body. If the levels of folate in the blood are lower than normal, it is considered folate deficiency. It can cause a number of health problems, including anemia, weakness, fatigue, mouth sores, tongue swelling, and neural tube defects in babies.
There are several possible causes of folate deficiency, such as:
It is possible to develop a folate deficiency if you eat foods that are low in folate or don't consume enough fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals. It can also be destroyed by overcooking or processing foods. Folate is found naturally in leafy greens, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, eggs, liver, and citrus fruits.
In addition to impairing folate absorption, alcohol can also damage the lining of the intestine, which can reduce nutrient absorption.
Some medications can affect folate levels in the body by blocking absorption or increasing excretion. These include drugs for epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer, and infections.
There are several diseases that can cause folate deficiency by impairing folate absorption or utilization in the body. These include celiac disease, Crohn's disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and genetic disorders that affect folate metabolism.
A pregnant woman needs more folate during pregnancy since it is essential for the fetus' development. If they do not get enough folate from their diet or supplements, they may develop folate deficiency and increase the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly.
The symptoms of folate deficiency may vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Some of the common symptoms include:
Anemia: Folate deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, and lethargic feelings because the red blood cells are unable to carry enough oxygen to the tissues.
Mouth sores: Folate deficiency can cause inflammation, ulcers, and infections in the mouth, tongue, and gums, which are the moist tissues lining the mouth, nose, throat, and digestive tract.
Swelling of the tongue: Folate deficiency can cause glossitis, a condition in which the tongue becomes swollen, red, and painful, making it difficult to eat, speak, and swallow.
Folate deficiency can lead to poor weight gain, stunted growth, delayed puberty, and learning difficulties in children and adolescents.
A folate deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which can cause numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the hands and feet.
An individual's medical history, physical examination, and blood tests help determine if they have folate deficiency. Blood tests can measure folate levels in the blood as well as hemoglobin levels, which carry oxygen in the red blood cells. Low folate levels or hemoglobin levels can indicate folate deficiency. Blood tests can also be used to identify other causes of anemia, such as iron or vitamin B12 deficiency.
Treatment for folate deficiency depends on the cause and severity of the condition. The primary goal of treatment is to increase folate levels in the body and correct anemia. Treatment options include:
Folate deficiency can be prevented or treated by eating more folate-rich foods and foods fortified with folic acid. Leafy greens, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, eggs, liver, and citrus fruits are among the folate-rich foods. Cereals, breads, pastas, and rice are examples of fortified foods.
Supplements: Folic acid supplements can help increase the body's folate levels. For adults, 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid are recommended every day. For pregnant women, 600 micrograms is recommended every day. To improve absorption, the supplements should be taken with a glass of water or a meal. Some people with certain medical conditions or medications may need a higher dose of folic acid.
Injections: In some cases, patients with severe folate deficiency or those who are unable to tolerate or take oral supplements may require folic acid injections. An injection is administered by a health care provider into a muscle or vein. Injections are administered based on the individual's needs and response to treatment.
The prevention of folate deficiency is possible by following a balanced and varied diet that includes enough folate or folic acid. Some of the prevention tips are:
Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, especially those that are dark green, yellow, or orange in color.
Choose whole grains over refined grains, and look for products that are fortified with folic acid.
Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Avoid overcooking or processing foods that contain folate, as this can reduce their nutritional value.
Talk to your doctor before taking any medications that may affect folate levels, and follow the prescribed dosage and instructions.
Take folic acid supplements as recommended by your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have a medical condition that increases your risk of folate deficiency.
