Folic acidand its deficiency symptoms in the body
If you do not have enough folic acid in your diet, you may suffer from folic acid deficiency. Certain drinks and foods, such as citrus fruits and dark green vegetables, are particularly good sources of folic acid. Not having enough folic acid in your diet can lead to deficiencies within a few weeks. Additionally, deficiencies may occur if you have a disease or genetic mutation that prevents the absorption or conversion of folic acid into its usable form.
Vitamin deficiencycan cause anemia, a condition where you have too few red blood cells.Anemiacan deprive body tissues of oxygen since red blood cells carry oxygen. This can affect their performance. Folic acid is particularly important for women during fertility. A lack of folic acid inpregnancycan lead to birth defects.
Most people get folic acid from food. Many foods now have added folate in the form of folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, to prevent deficiency. However, supplements are recommended for women planningto become pregnant.
Benefits and uses of folic acid in the body
As previously mentioned in the health sectionSelMagzexplained, folic acid is a type of B vitamin that helps you:
- Build DNA
- Repair DNA
- Produce red blood cells (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
- Swollen tongue
- Growth problems
Symptoms of anemiadue to folic acid deficiency include:
- Constant fatigue
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Inability
7 common changes in the body that indicate folic acid deficiency
Cognitive problems:
Folic acid is very important for the central nervous system. If the body lacks this vitamin, you may experienceDepressionconcentration issues, forgetfulness, and feelings ofirritability.If folic acid deficiency is not treated properly, it may increase the risk of serious disorders such as dementia orAlzheimer’s disease.Body pain as a symptom of folic acid deficiency:
In severe cases of anemia due to folic acid deficiency, the brain receives less oxygen than ideal. In response, the arteries begin to swell and
you may get headaches.However, the brain is not the only organ that can experience low oxygen levels; you may also feel pain in other parts of the body due toiron deficiency,especially in the chest and legs.Paleness is one of the symptoms of folic acid deficiency:
Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to all body tissues, may be insufficient when the body lacks folic acid. This can lead to
feelings of weaknessand muscle fatigue, numbness in your hands and feet, and pale skin.Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties:
If you notice that you feel out of breath while doing things, this means oxygen levels are low because the body lacks red blood cells. Along with this symptom, you may also experience
heart palpitationsand feelings of dizziness or even fainting.Digestive problems as symptoms of folic acid deficiency:
These stomach and intestinal signs such as nausea, vomiting,
stomach painanddiarrheaafter meals may be initial signs of folic acid deficiency. Additionally, in severe cases, you may suffer fromloss of appetitewhich usually leads to significant weight loss.Oral pain indicates a lack of folic acid:
These symptoms usually occur when the lack of folic acid is very severe, so they should not be ignored. The tongue may be swollen, red, or shiny, typically starting at the tip and edges. Due to reduced red blood cells, you may feel pain when swallowing or discomfort.
Weakening
of taste sensationis another symptom of folic acid deficiency:According to some studies, besides mouth sores, folic acid deficiency may lead to problems with your taste and impair your sense of taste. This happens because your taste receptors, called papillae, cannot send messages to your brain through your nervous system due to issues with your tongue.
What are the causes of folate deficiency?
Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that dissolves in water and is not stored in your body’s fat cells, meaning you need to keep getting it since the body cannot store it. People excrete excess water-soluble vitamins in their urine.
The main causes of folic acid deficiency include:
Nutrition:
Lack of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains in the diet is the leading cause of folate deficiency. Additionally, consuming foods that are overcooked can sometimes degrade this vitamin. Folic acid levels in the body can drop within weeks if you do not eat enough folate-rich foods.
Diseases that can cause folic acid deficiency:
Diseases affecting absorption in the digestive system can lead to folic acid deficiency. These diseases include:
Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Kidney problems requiring dialysis
- Genetic factors:
Some individuals have genetic mutations that hinder their absorption of dietary folic acid or supplements into its usable form.
Drug side effects
Some medications can lead to folic acid deficiency. These include:
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Trimethoprim
- Methotrexate
- Sulfasalazine
- How is folic acid deficiency diagnosed?
As mentioned earlier in SelMagz’s health section, folate deficiency is diagnosed with a blood test. Doctors often check the folic acid levels of pregnant women during pregnancy.
What are the complications of folic acid deficiency?
Folate is necessary for normal red blood cell production. Complications of folic acid deficiency may include:
Megaloblastic anemia, meaning that red blood cells are larger than normal and not fully developed.
Low levels of white blood cells and platelets.
Congenital defects in the spinal cord and brain of the
growing fetusknown as neural tube defects.Treatment for folic acid deficiency:
Treatment includes increasing dietary intake of folic acid. You can also take folic acid or folate supplements. Those with genetic mutations affecting folic acid absorption should consume methylated folate to avoid deficiencies. Folate is often combined with other B vitamins in supplements, sometimes referred to as B vitamins.
Preventing folic acid deficiency in the body
Eat a nutritious diet to prevent folic acid deficiency. Foods high in folic acid include:
Green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach
- Brussels sprouts
- Chickpeas
- Citrus fruits
- Fruits like
- BananasandMelonsTomato paste
- EggsBeans
- LegumesMushrooms
- Asparagus
- Heart
- Liver
- Wheat.
- The recommended daily intake of folic acid is 400 micrograms. Women who plan to get pregnant should take folic acid supplements as folate is essential for the normal growth of the fetus.
- Folic acid
- Folic acid in the body
Folic acid deficiency
