Folic acid and its symptoms of deficiency in the body
If your diet does not include enough folic acid, you may develop a deficiency. Certain drinks and foods, such as citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables, are especially good sources of folic acid. Not having enough folic acid in your diet can lead to deficiencies within a few weeks. Deficiency can also occur if you have a disease or a genetic mutation that prevents absorption or conversion into usable forms.Folic Acidin its bioavailable form
is hindered.Vitamin deficiency can cause anemia, which is a condition with a low number of red blood cells.Anemiacan deprive tissues of oxygen because red blood cells carry oxygen. This can impact their function. Folic acid is especially important for women of reproductive age. Deficiency during pregnancycan lead to birth defects.
Most people get folic acid from food. Many foods now contain more folate, in the form of folic acid, to prevent deficiency. However, supplements are recommended for women planning to become pregnant.
Benefits and Uses of Folic Acid in the Body
As previously explained in the health section,SelMagzit is a type of vitamin B that helps you:
- Build DNA
- Repair DNA
- Produce red blood cells
What are the symptoms of folic acid deficiency in the body?
Symptoms of folic acid deficiency often include:
- Fatigue
- Gray hair
- Oral pain
- Inflamed tongue
- Growth problems
Symptoms of anemia caused by folic acid deficiency include:
- Persistent tiredness
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Inability
7 common body changes indicating folic acid deficiency
Cognitive problems:
Folic acid is very important for the central nervous system. If the body lacks this vitamin, it may cause depression, concentration issues, forgetfulness, and feelings ofangerUnmanaged folic acid deficiency can increase the risk of serious disorders like insanity or Alzheimer’s disease.Body pain is a sign of folic acid deficiency:In severe cases of anemia caused by folic acid deficiency, the brain receives less oxygen than normal. As a result, the arteries start to swell, and
headaches
occur. But the brain is not the only organ affected by low oxygen levels; pain may also be felt in other parts of the body such as the chest and legs due to iron deficiency.Paleness is a symptom of folic acid deficiency:Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to the body tissues. When the body lacks folic acid, it doesn’t produce enough red blood cells (and hemoglobin) to supply internal organs with essential oxygen, which can lead to
weakness
and muscle fatigue, numbness in the hands and feet, and pale skin.Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties:If you notice that you often breathe heavily during activities, it indicates low oxygen levels due to a lack of red blood cells. Besides this, you may also experience
rapid heartbeat
and feelings of dizziness or even fainting.Digestive problems as signs of folic acid deficiency:Symptoms like nausea, vomiting,
stomach pain,
and diarrheamay be early signs of deficiency after eating. In severe cases, you might also experienceloss of appetitewhich often leads to significant weight loss.Oral pain indicates folic acid deficiency:These symptoms usually occur when folic acid deficiency becomes very severe, so they should not be ignored. The tongue may swell, be red, or shiny, often starting around the tip and edges. Due to reduced red blood cells, swallowing may cause pain or discomfort.Weakness
Loss of taste
are signs of folic acid deficiency:
According to some studies, besides mouth ulcers, folic acid deficiency may also cause problems with taste perception, disrupting your ability to perceive flavors. This happens because taste receptors called papillae cannot send messages to your brain via the nervous system due to tongue problems.Causes of folate deficiency include:Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that dissolves in water and is not stored in your fat cells, meaning you need to regularly consume it because your body cannot store excess. People excrete extra water-soluble vitamins in their urine.
The main causes of folic acid deficiency are:
Nutritional deficiency:
Not eating enough fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains in your diet is the main cause of folate deficiency. Also, overcooking food can destroy this vitamin. If you do not eat enough foods rich in folic acid, your body’s folate levels can drop within weeks.
Diseases that can cause folic acid deficiency:
Diseases affecting absorption in the digestive system can lead to deficiency. These include:
Crohn’s disease
Celiac disease
Certain types of cancer
- Kidney problems requiring dialysis
- Genetics:
- Some individuals have genetic mutations that prevent proper conversion of dietary folate or supplements into usable forms.
- Drug side effects
Some medications can cause folic acid deficiency. These include:
Phenobarbital (Dilantin)
Trimethoprim
Methotrexate
- Sulfasalazine
- How is folic acid deficiency diagnosed?
- Earlier in the health section, it was mentioned that folate deficiency can be diagnosed with a blood test. Doctors often check folic acid levels in pregnant women during
- pregnancy
tests.
Effects of folic acid deficiency include:Folate is needed to produce normal red blood cells. Deficiency symptoms may include:Megaloblastic anemia, which means that red blood cells are larger than normal and underdeveloped.
Low levels of white blood cells and platelets
Birth defects in the spinal cord and brain
In a developing fetus, neural tube defects can occur due to deficiency.
Treatment for folic acid deficiency:
Includes increasing oral intake of folic acid. You can also take folic acid supplements or folate pills. People with genetic mutations affecting absorption should take methylated folate to prevent deficiency. Folate is often combined with other B vitamins in supplements, sometimes called B vitamins.Preventing folic acid deficiency:Eat nutritious foods rich in folic acid. Foods with high folic acid content include:
Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach
Brussels sprouts
Chickpeas
Citrus fruits
- Fruits like
- Bananas
- and melons
- Tomato extract
- EggsBeansPulses
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Liver
- Wheat
- The recommended daily intake of folic acid is 400 milligrams. Women who plan to become pregnant should take folic acid supplements. Folate is vital for the healthy development of the fetus.
- Folic Acid in the Body
- Folic acid deficiency
- Signs of folic acid deficiency in the body
- Stomach pain
Stomach pain is a symptom of folic acid deficiency
