Folic acid deficiency can lead to anemia and other health problems. Supplementation from foods like cereals has reduced deficiency in many regions. Folic acid helps produce new blood cells and plays a role in RNA and DNA replication. Deficiency can be diagnosed by blood tests and corrected with supplementation and diet changes. Pregnant women are encouraged to take folic acid supplements. Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and headaches. Excess folic acid can hide signs of vitamin B12 deficiency and affect malaria treatment.
Folic acid deficiency is a medical condition that occurs when people do not consume enough folic acid or are unable to absorb this essential nutrient. If the deficiency persists, it can lead to anemia. Folic acid deficiencies are linked to a number of health problems, and for this reason, many nations require folic acid supplementation from foods such as cereals. Supplementation has radically reduced the incidence of deficiency in many regions of the world.
Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, can be found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, and meats. In the body, it helps with the production of new blood cells, and also plays a role in RNA and DNA replication. One of the immediate consequences of a folic acid deficiency is a decrease in the production of red blood cells, which leads to anemia. Lack of nutrients can also contribute to the development of some types of cancer and increase the risk of arteriosclerosis. In pregnant women, a deficiency of folic acid can lead to birth defects.
A folic acid deficiency can be diagnosed by drawing blood. If a patient is deficient, the doctor will conduct an interview to gather information about the patient’s history. If the patient has an inadequate diet or drinks a lot of alcohol, it may be possible to correct the problem with folic acid supplementation and a change in diet. In cases where the patient seems to be eating well, tests may be needed to see if the body is having difficulty absorbing folic acid.
Most people get the folic acid they need from eating fruits and vegetables every day. Because folic acid is water soluble, it is expressed regularly by the body, making it critical to absorb it every day. Although the body holds small amounts in reserve, these reserves can be depleted quickly. Pregnant women are often encouraged to take folic acid supplements to ensure that their fetuses receive enough folic acid to develop normally.
Patients with folic acid deficiency may experience symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and headaches. It is difficult to overdose on folic acid, because the body expresses excess folic acid when it cannot use it. However, taking too much folic acid can sometimes hide the signs of a deficiency in vitamin B12, another essential vitamin. B12 deficiencies can cause brain damage, making them critical to identify and correct. Excess folic acid can also affect malaria treatment.
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