Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms

Folic (derived from the Latin word folium meaning 'leaf') acid, is also referred to as vitamin B9, folate, pteroylglutamic acid and folacin. Folic acid benefits are many, like it helps in cell division and growth and assists in the production of healthy red blood cells. Sufficient intake of the nutrient helps in fighting folic acid deficiency anemia. An adult human being requires minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid per day, for proper functioning of the body. Let's discuss the folic acid deficiency symptoms, before going over the causes and treatment.

Symptoms of Folic Acid Deficiency

• The most commonly observed symptom is irritation. Folic acid keeps the central nervous system healthy and lack of folic acid can cause depression, sluggishness and weakness. Forgetting things after a short span of time and lightheadedness are also very often observed folic acid deficiency symptoms.
• Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can affect the fetus in a negative way. Hence, pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant should consume enough of folic acid and its supplements. Deficiency of folic acid can be a cause of abortion and high infant death rate. Intake of sufficient amount of folic acid aids in the normal development of baby's spine and brain.
• Decrease in appetite and weight loss are also commonly observed symptoms of folic acid deficiency. People lacking folic acid also find it difficult to concentrate and focus for a long time on a particular thing. They also appear pale.
• Different types of cancers have been associated with folic acid deficiency. Anemia, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems and loss of appetite are also symptoms of folic acid deficiency.
• Other symptoms which are less observed are: abdominal pain, chest pain, cracked lips especially at the edges, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, sore and smooth tongue.
• Lack of folic acid can also cause serious skin disorders like grayish-brown skin pigmentation. It can also cause impaired circulation, hair fall, mental depression and fatigue.
• Lack of folic acid might lead to loss of libido in males.

Folic Acid Deficiency Causes

• During pregnancy and lactation, the need for folic acid is increased and if not fulfilled, then it might lead to folic acid deficiency.
• Consumption of alcohol can also be a cause of folic acid deficiency. Alcohol increases the rate of folic acid breakdown and also interferes with folate metabolism.
• Malabsorption diseases like celiac diseases and gastric diseases lead to low stomach acid, which can cause folic acid deficiency.

Folic Acid Deficiency Treatment

• Identify the reason for the lack of deficiency of folic acid in your body and work accordingly. In order to increase folic acid, you can eat foods high in folic acid like leafy, green vegetables (spinach and fenugreek). Also, increase the intake of salmon, soybean and orange. Consumption of fresh and dried beans also increases the content of folic acid. Turnip greens, lettuces, asparagus and sunflower seeds are rich sources of folic acid. Increase the content of folic acid foods like grain products and cereals and enriched breads.
• You can also consume folic acid supplements. These supplements can be taken once or twice a day, as prescribed by the medical practitioner.

This was a brief look on folic acid deficiency symptoms, causes and treatment. If you consume a healthy diet, you will never face any problems of folic acid deficiency. After knowing folic acid deficiency symptoms, I'm sure you will make an effort to increase its intake. So, consume a healthy diet and stay happy, and in good health! Read more on: benefits of folic acid.