How to recognize the signs and symptoms of folate deficiency and treat it effectively

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Broccoli is a great source of folic acid if you’re looking to increase your food intake. yummyhealthyeasy.com/Pinterest

• Symptoms of folate deficiency can include inflammation of the tongue, sores in the mouth, and fatigue.
• You may be at higher risk for folate deficiency if you are pregnant or have Chrohn’s disease or celiac disease.
• To get more folic acid, you should eat more leafy greens in your diet and consider taking a folic acid supplement.
• This article has undergone a medical examination by Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, Nutrition and Wellness Expert in a private practice based in New York City.
• Visit Insider’s Health Reference Library for more tips.

Folate, also known as B9, is an essential B vitamin that our bodies use to form DNA and make red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can cause symptoms such as weakness and headaches to depression and reduced nervous function.

Here’s everything you need to know about folate deficiency, from recognizing the signs and symptoms to finding the right treatment plan.

What does folate do?

Folate helps with a variety of tasks throughout the body.

According to Elizabeth Klingbeil, PhD, RDN, LDN, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Johnson & Wales University, the functions of folate include:

• DNA formation
• Break down protein so that it can be used by the body
• Brain Function and Development
• Production of red blood cells
• Promote the healthy development of the fetus

Signs and symptoms of folate deficiency

Understanding the symptoms of a folate deficiency can help you and contact a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Although symptoms can change over time as folate levels fluctuate, according to Klingbeil and New York City dietitian Rebecca Guterman, mild symptoms of folate deficiency include:

• Inflammation of the tongue
• Mouth sores
• Tired
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Headache

According to Klingbeil, if folate deficiency is not treated, more serious symptoms can develop over time, including:

• The Depression
• Decreased nerve function
• Developmental problems for a fetus if you are pregnant

Causes of folic acid deficiency

Folate deficiency occurs when blood levels of folic acid drop below 2 ng / mL in blood plasma and 140 ng / mL in red blood cells. There are many factors that can cause folate deficiency, but it usually happens when you don’t get enough folate in your diet.

Your recommended daily folate intake depends on your age and other factors:

Age	Male	Female	Pregnancy	Lactation
From birth to 6 months	65 mcg	65 mcg
7 to 12 months	80 mcg	80 mcg
1 to 3 years	150 mcg	150 mcg
4 to 8 years	200 mcg	200 mcg
9 to 13 years old	300 mcg	300 mcg
14 to 18 years old	400 mcg	400 mcg	600 mcg	500 mcg
19+ years	400 mcg	400 mcg	600 mcg	500 mcg

Some people are at an increased risk of developing folate deficiency. This includes pregnant women, as the fetus needs large amounts of folate to develop properly. That’s why women trying to get pregnant should consider taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folate to prevent a deficiency that could harm their baby.

“Inadequate folate during pregnancy, especially during the first 28 days of development, is linked to neural tube defects – such as spina bifida or other neurological problems – in the developing fetus,” Klingbeil explains.

According to Guterman, other conditions that increase your risk for folate deficiency include:

• Alcoholism
• Malnutrition
• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease

Diagnostic

If you think you have a folate deficiency, it’s important to see your doctor so they can confirm that the symptoms are not due to another deficiency or underlying health issues. Additionally, Klingbeil strongly recommends talking to your doctor if you experience:

• Continuing depression
• Mental confusion
• Tired
• Diarrhea
• Nervous problems

Your doctor will order a blood test to confirm the deficiency. “Folate deficiency will most often present as megaloblastic anemia,” Klingbeil explains. A person with megaloblastic anemia will produce structurally large, irregular, and immature red blood cells, also called megaloblasts. Through a blood test, your doctor can determine if your red blood cells are megaloblasts or normal.

Treatment

Folate deficiency is often treated with dietary changes that increase the amount of folate-rich foods you eat. Foods high in folic acid include:

• broccoli
• Chickpeas
• Brussels sprouts
• Leafy vegetables, such as cabbage and spinach
• Peas
• Whole grains
• Eggs

Supplements

Making changes to your diet is usually the first step in dealing with a folate deficiency. However, people who cannot get enough folate just because of dietary restrictions or absorption issues can use supplements. Supplements contain folic acid – the synthetic version of folate which is more easily absorbed by the body.

“I advise individuals not to take a supplement that exceeds 100% of the recommended dietary intake of folate to avoid vitamin toxicity,” Klingbeil explains. The upper limit of folic acid intake is 1000 mcg per day for adults. A healthcare professional can help you decide if you need a supplement and what dosage you should take.

Takeaway from the insider

Folate is a vitamin used for DNA formation, fetal development, and the production of red blood cells. Folate deficiency occurs when you consume less than your recommended daily allowance of 400 mcg and causes symptoms such as headaches, weakness, and mouth sores. It can be treated by increasing your intake of foods high in folic acid or by taking a supplement.