Folic Acid Deficiency: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes within the human body. Red blood cell production, cell division, and DNA synthesis all depend on it greatly. An inadequate intake or absorption of this vitamin can result in folic acid deficiency, which can cause various health issues. In this article, we shall examine the origins, signs, and treatment of folic acid insufficiency, emphasising the necessity of treating this disease for general health.

Causes of Folic Acid Deficiency:

Inadequate Dietary Intake: The primary source of folic acid is the dietary consumption of folate-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), legumes, citrus fruits, and fortified grains. A diet low in these sources can lead to deficiency.

Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with folic acid absorption and increase its excretion, leading to lower folate levels in the body.

Malabsorption Disorders: Certain medical conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, can impair the absorption of folic acid from food.

Medications: Some medications, like certain antiepileptic drugs and methotrexate (used for chemotherapy and other conditions), can interfere with folic acid metabolism, potentially leading to deficiency.

Increased Requirements: Pregnant women, individuals with rapid cell division (e.g., cancer patients), and those with chronic hemolytic anemias may require higher folic acid intake, and inadequate supply can lead to deficiency.

Symptoms of Folic Acid Deficiency:

Fatigue and Weakness: Decreased red blood cell production due to impaired DNA synthesis can lead to anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Mouth Ulcers and Tongue Swelling: Some individuals may experience painful mouth sores or tongue inflammation.

Digestive Issues: Folic acid deficiency can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea and poor appetite.

Cognitive Changes: In severe cases, deficiency may result in irritability, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating.

Neural Tube Defects: In pregnant women, inadequate folic acid intake can increase the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus, leading to serious brain and spinal cord birth defects.

Treatment of Folic Acid Deficiency:

Dietary Modifications:

One of the first steps in treating folic acid deficiency is to ensure an adequate intake of folate-rich foods. The following dietary modifications can help improve folate levels:

Increase Consumption of Folate-Rich Foods: Incorporate folate-rich foods into your diet, such as leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli), legumes (beans, lentils, peas), citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), avocados, and fortified grains (cereals, bread).

Cook Foods Wisely: To preserve the folate content in food, cook vegetables lightly and avoid prolonged cooking, as folate is sensitive to heat and can be lost during cooking.

Limit Alcohol Intake: If excessive alcohol consumption was a contributing factor to the deficiency, reducing or avoiding alcohol can aid in improving folic acid absorption.

Folic Acid Supplements:

For individuals with severe folic acid deficiency or those at risk of complications, healthcare professionals may recommend folic acid supplements. These supplements are available over-the-counter in various forms, including tablets and capsules. Folvite tablet is a drug belonging to the class of medicines known as haemopoetic agents, containing the active ingredient folic acid. It is used to treat folic acid deficiency(low levels of red blood cells in the body).

Dosage: The dosage of folic acid supplements will depend on the severity of the deficiency and the individual’s specific needs. Generally, a daily dose of 400–800 micrograms (mcg) is recommended for adults.

Pregnancy: Pregnant women are often advised to take higher doses of folic acid supplements (usually 600–800 mcg) to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.

Combinations: Folic acid supplements may be prescribed alone or combined with other vitamins or minerals, especially for individuals with multiple deficiencies or certain medical conditions.

Folic acid deficiency is a common and treatable condition with serious consequences if left unaddressed. Individuals can effectively restore folate levels and prevent associated health complications through dietary modifications and folic acid supplementation. If you suspect a folic acid deficiency or are at risk, seek guidance from a healthcare professional who can provide personalised advice and ensure appropriate treatment. Early intervention and proactive management are essential for optimal folic acid levels and overall health.