Low levels of folic acid can cause megaloblastic anemia. With this condition, red blood cells are larger than normal. There are fewer of these cells. They are also oval-shaped, not round.
Folate-deficiency anemia most often responds well to treatment within 3 to 6 months. It will likely get better when the underlying cause of the deficiency is treated.
In the first stage, the earliest sign of folate deficiency is marked by the change from Normal to Negative Folate Balance, with serum folate concentration falling from > 11 pmol/L to < 7 pmol/L.
Lack of folate causes a number of pregnancy-related complications, including placenta abruptio, spontaneous abortion, neural tube defects, and severe language deficits in the offspring.
Folate deficiency can cause severe birth defects called neural tube defects. Neural tube defects include spina bifida and anencephaly. Folate deficiency can also increase your chances of placental abruption, a condition where your placenta separates from your uterus.
You may lose folate from your body if you pee frequently. This can be caused by an underlying condition that affects one of your organs, such as: congestive heart failure – where the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body. acute liver damage – often caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
What's the Treatment? Folate deficiency anemia is prevented and treated by eating a healthy diet. This includes foods rich in folic acid, such as nuts, leafy green vegetables, enriched breads and cereals, and fruit. Your doctor will also likely prescribe you a daily folic acid supplement.
Diseases in which folic acid is not well absorbed in the digestive system (such as celiac disease or Crohn disease) Drinking too much alcohol. Eating overcooked fruits and vegetables. Folate can be easily destroyed by heat.
Taking a folic acid supplement and eating a healthful diet will prevent many cases of folate deficiency anemia. People who have risk factors for folate deficiency should ask a doctor about the right amount of folic acid to take.
Deficiency has been linked to development of esophageal squamous cell cancer (78) and low levels of folate in the blood with certain forms of cancer (9), whereas higher levels of dietary folate may reduce the risk of breast (2) and pancreatic cancers (3), but not prostate cancer (7).
Furthermore, folate deficiency may lead to body weight gain and adiposity [12]. Several studies has indicated a link between low folate intake or low serum folate concentration and greater body mass, BMI, overall fat accumulation, and higher waist circumference [13,14,15,16].
Although it's uncommon, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (with or without anaemia) can lead to complications, particularly if you have been deficient in vitamin B12 or folate for some time. Potential complications can include: problems with the nervous system. temporary infertility.
Folic acid has many uses in the body, and B9 deficiency has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. When taken in conjunction with B12, these B super-vitamins help metabolize serotonin, which is important for mood regulation.
You may lose folate from your body if you urinate frequently. This can be caused by an underlying condition that affects one of your organs, such as: congestive heart failure – where the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body. acute liver damage – often caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
The terms “folic acid” and “folate” often are used interchangeably. However, folate is a general term used to describe the many different forms of vitamin B9: folic acid, dihydrofolate (DHF), tetrahydrofolate (THF), 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5, 10-MTHF), and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) 1.
Other common symptoms are poor appetite, sore/swollen tongue, and diarrhea. If folate deficiency is allowed to progress, complications can develop including severe nerve damage, memory loss, heart disease and possibly some forms of cancer.
Folic acid also helps with tissue growth and cell function. In addition, it helps to increase appetite when needed and stimulates the formation of digestive acids.
The signs can come gradually and mimic other common symptoms such as feeling tired, irritable or dizzy. These symptoms indicate folate-deficiency anemia, a condition that happens when the body's lack of folate or folic acid limits the production of red blood cells.
Vitamin deficiencies are a common cause of paresthesias. The B vitamins — vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 — are the most common ones. Deficiencies in copper, calcium, and magnesium can also lead to tingling in your hands and feet. Most of the time, correcting the deficiency can help reverse the symptoms.
Many fruits contain folic acid, but citrus fruits rank highest — oranges are especially high in the vitamin. Other folate-rich fruits include grapefruit, papayas, grapes, bananas, strawberries, raspberries and cantaloupe.