Folic Acid Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, And Its Prevention

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Your body needs folate (= folic acid) to make new cells, including red blood cells. If you have folic acid deficiency, it may lead to the lack of red blood cells, which is called anemia. This in turn leads to additional health problems, that’s why it’s important to get enough folic acid to avoid them.

Folate deficiency usually happens when you don’t include enough foods containing folic acid in your diet. Other factors that contribute to folic acid deficiency include alcohol abuse, malabsorption, GI conditions (such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease) and certain medications.

Symptoms of folic acid deficiency include:

>> mouth sores and swelling of the tongue – these symptoms can manifest before and during the period of anemia;

>> loss of taste (to a certain degree);

>> digestion problems, including diarrhea, indigestion, and problems with bowel movement;

>> constant tiredness, weakness, and pallor;

>> shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and palpitations;

>> problems with memory and difficulty concentrating, moodiness;

>> pain in the chest and legs, and headaches.

Adding more foods high in folic acid to your diet will help. These foods include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, citrus, and fortified breakfast cereals. You may also try folic acid supplements. Having enough folic acid is of utmost importance for pregnant women and women who are planning to have a child. Lack of folic acid can cause severe birth defects, so you should talk to your doctor about additional folic acid sources if you’re carrying a child or planning to conceive.