Folate is a B vitamin that your body requires for proper functioning. According to the Cleveland Clinic, folate is especially important for pregnant women. Folate deficiency is caused by a lack of folate in the body. Fatigue, weakness, mouth sores, and neurological problems are some of the symptoms. According to Jacquelyn Cafasso, if you don't get enough folate in your diet, you may develop a folate deficiency. In just a few weeks, not getting enough folate can cause a deficiency.
John Hopkins Medicine explained that the red blood cells transport oxygen to all parts of the body. Anemia occurs when your blood cannot deliver enough oxygen to all of your tissues and organs. Your body cannot function properly without enough oxygen. Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a lack of folic acid. The red blood cells in this condition are larger than normal. These cells are in smaller numbers. They're also oval rather than round and these red blood cells do not always live as long as regular red blood cells. According to Jacquelyn Cafasso, the symptoms of folate deficiency are often subtle. Fatigue, gray hair, mouth sores, tongue swelling, growth issues, and peripheral neuropathy are among them (the result of damage to one or more groups of nerves). Anemia caused by a lack of folate manifests itself as persistent fatigue, weakness, lethargy, pale skin, shortness of breath, and irritability.
Several complications can occur if you don't get enough folate. Folate deficiency during pregnancy, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can lead to serious complications. Folate is necessary for your baby's brain and spinal cord development. Neural tube defects are severe birth defects caused by a lack of folate. Spina bifida and anencephaly are examples of neural tube defects. Folate deficiency can also lead to placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus. Furthermore, your baby may be born prematurely (premature birth) or with low birth weight. Low folate levels during pregnancy have also been linked to the development of autism in children.
Furthermore, a lack of folate can result in folate deficiency anemia. Anemia occurs when your body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to your body's tissues. Anemia caused by a lack of folate can also result in the production of abnormally large red blood cells that don't function properly. Infertility and certain cancers are other side effects of a lack of folate. Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia, and decreased cognitive function. What causes a lack of folate? Folate is a vitamin that is water-soluble. It dissolves in water and does not accumulate in fat cells. According to Jacquelyn Cafasso, this means you should keep taking folate because your body cannot develop a reserve. Excessive amounts of water-soluble vitamins are excreted in the urine. The main cause of folate deficiency is a diet low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals. Furthermore, overcooking your food can deplete the vitamins. If you don't eat enough folate-rich foods, your body's folate levels can drop dramatically in just a few weeks.
Some people have a genetic mutation that prevents their bodies from converting dietary or supplemental folate to its usable form, methyl folate, in a timely and efficient manner. Folate deficiency can be caused by gastrointestinal conditions that affect absorption. Crohn's disease, celiac disease, certain cancers, and severe kidney problems requiring dialysis are among them. Alcohol also prevents the absorption of folate. It also increases the amount of folate excreted in the urine. Folate deficiency is treated by increasing folate intake through diet. Folate or folic acid supplement is also an option. Those who have the MTHFR gene mutation, which affects folate absorption, must take methylated folate to avoid deficiency. Folate is frequently found in supplements alongside other B vitamins. These vitamins are also known as B complex vitamins.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a daily dose of 400 micrograms of folate is recommended. Folate supplements are recommended for women who may become pregnant. Folate is essential for fetal growth. To avoid folate deficiency, eat a balanced diet. Leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach, Brussels sprouts, peas, citrus, fruits, such as bananas and melons, tomato juice, eggs, beans, legumes, mushrooms, asparagus, kidney, liver meat, poultry, pork, shellfish, wheat bran, and fortified cereals are all high in folate.
The bottom line is Folate is a vitamin that aids in the formation of red blood cells and DNA in the body. It is particularly important for pregnant women because it aids in the development of the unborn child. While folate deficiency is uncommon, it can result in serious consequences like birth defects and anemia. As a result, it's critical to consume a diet rich in folate-rich fruits, vegetables, and other foods. You could also take a folic acid supplement. Your healthcare provider can help you determine how much folate you should consume each day.
PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
- Folate-Deficiency Anemia
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/folate-deficiency-anemia
- Folate Deficiency
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22198-folate-deficiency#:~:text=Folate%20deficiency%20occurs%20when%20your,in%20foods%20that%20contain%20folate.
- Folate Deficiency
Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — Written by Jacquelyn Cafasso — Updated on March 10, 2022
https://www.healthline.com/health/folate-deficiency
- Women of reproductive age need 400 mcg of folic acid every day
