The Dangers of A Folic Acid Deficiency and Ways to Fix It

Folic acid is an important vitamin in our body since it is needed for the production of new cells. Unfortunately, the human body is not designed to naturally produce folic acid, therefore, it is reliant on the food being consumed. Folic acid deficiency occurs when the diet is lacking from foods rich in this vitamin. Moreover, it can also happen if the body can’t properly absorb folic acid being consumed. This condition can be dangerous most especially to pregnant women since it can trigger birth or spinal defects to the baby.

The first stage of folic acid deficiency is not that noticeable. This is the time when plasma folate starts to decrease. Folic acid is highly needed for cell division and DNA synthesis. If folic acid deficiency is left untreated between four and five months, red blood cell production will be greatly affected and cell division won’t take place. This condition will progress and will lead to folic acid anemia or megaloblastic anemia. This is the part when there is excessive production of hemoglobin that is useless.

Here are some of the manifestations of folic acid deficiency anemia:

1.) Body weakness

2.) Loss of appetite

3.) Irritability

4.) Unusual weight loss

5.) Memory lapses and confusion

6.) Light headedness

7.) Inability to focus properly

8.) Palpitations

9.) Headache

10.) Diarrhea

Folic acid deficiency can be diagnosed by determining the medical history as well as the blood test results of the patient. The manifestations are also highly considered. Regarding the blood tests, it is important to determine the red blood cell count as well as the level of vitamin B12 and most especially folic acid.

The treatment methods for folic acid deficiency include taking folic acid supplements everyday. However, the person should always follow the doctor’s order regarding the dosage. Typically, taking folic acid supplements should be continued for four months or as long as the folic acid level is still below the normal range. In cases like sickle cell anemia, only the doctor could determine the duration of taking the supplements.

Folic acid is very important to be maintained to pregnant women. In fact, they are usually advised to take supplements in the first three months of their pregnancy even though they are engaging on a good diet and healthy. Regarding those who are planning to get pregnant, it is strongly suggested to start taking folic acid supplements. Doing this approach can prevent birth defects. Aside from taking the supplements, it is also important to consume foods high in folic acid. These foods include green leafy vegetables, oranges, grapefruits, fortified breakfast cereals, whole wheat bread, sprouts, liver, poultry and other.

Finally, folic acid deficiency is hard to diagnose since its symptoms are similar to those experiencing anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency. It is also dangerous to undergo folic acid deficiency treatment if the real problem is not addressed to folic acid. That is why doctors should rule out vitamin B12 deficiency first before initiating on the treatment process of folic acid deficiency.