FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY

 Basic information

description

Folic acid deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough folic acid (folate). Folic acid is one of the B vitamins. It has important functions in the body, including making red blood cells. The folic acid in the body is normally acquired from foods in the diet. A folic acid deficiency can develop due to a number of health problems. Elderly persons and pregnant women are more often affected.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• It may take months before any symptoms are obvious. The deficiency leads to anemia and its symptoms.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Red, sore tongue.
• Mouth sores.
• Headache.
• Paleness of skin.
• May have forgetfulness, irritability, or trouble with concentration.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Infants and children can have slow growth rate.

causes

• The deficiency can be caused by:
  • Not enough folic acid foods in the diet.
  • The folic acid is not absorbed by the body.
  • The body cannot use the folic acid that is absorbed.
  • There is an increased need for folic acid.
  • The body excretes or destroys more folic acid than is normal.

risk increases with

• Adults over 60.
• Poor nutrition or malabsorption.
• Excess alcohol use.
• Pregnancy. A pregnant women needs eight times more folic acid than usual with pregnancy.
• Chronic illness or recent surgery.
• Deficiency of vitamin B-12 or vitamin C.
• Smoking.
• Use of certain drugs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• None specific.
• Limit or avoid alcohol use.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Don't smoke.
• Have regular medical checkups during pregnancy and take prenatal vitamins as prescribed.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in 2 weeks to 2 months with an adequate folic acid intake. It will also depend on the underlying cause.

possible complications

• Megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia.
• Pregnant women have increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight baby, and baby with neural tube defects (defects of the spinal cord and nervous system).
• Increased homocysteine levels (a possible risk for heart problems or cognitive decline).
• May increase risk of cancer.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider may do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and diet. Medical tests may include blood studies of folic acid levels and vitamin B-12 levels (it may also be deficient).
• Treatment consists of folic acid supplement and treating or eliminating any underlying cause.
• If you smoke, find a way to quit.

medications

Folic acid will be prescribed. It may be taken for a few months. In some people, it may be taken for life.

activity

Fatigue can occur. Schedule regular rest periods until you are able to resume normal activity.

diet

• Eat foods daily that are high in folic acid. Green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains are good sources.
• Avoid or limit alcohol use.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of folic acid deficiency.
• Symptoms don't improve in a few weeks, despite treatment.

Special Notes: