What is folate, or folic acid? Healthline have explained that it is a type of B vitamin, which helps the body in making and repairing the DNA, as well as to produce red blood cells. Folate is water-soluble, thus, it cannot be stored in the body for a long period of time, people simply dismiss too much amounts in their urine. This means that people need to continuously refill the supply of folate or else they may become deficient in just a matter of time.
The major reason for folate deficiencies is a lack of certain foods in the diet. Nevertheless, folate deficiencies can also happen due to certain gastro-intestinal disease such as Coeliac or Crohn’s Disease, or some genetic condition, as well as excessive alcohol consumption or particular medications. Symptoms of folate deficiency fall under two categories in general: general folate deficiency symptoms and it is linked to folate deficiency anemia.
Here are the symptoms of General Folate Deficiency:
Mouth sores or swollen tongue
Medicine have explained that this kind of symptom may happen before anemia has set in. the tongue may actually look “beefy,” red or shiny, commonly around the edges and the tip to start with. Oral lesions can happen before and throughout the period of anemia.
Reduced sense of taste
NetDoctor have explained that you may experience some problem in tasting your food, in addition to the sores in the mouth.
Gastrointestinal problems
Anemia usually brings with it bowel problems, but before that sets in you might actually suffer from both of indigestion and diarrhea.
Here are the symptoms of Folate Deficiency Anemia:
Consistent fatigue, weakness and pale skin
WebMD have explained that the human body requires red blood cells in order to carry oxygen around the body and even to the muscle tissue. Folate is the one who is responsible for producing the red blood cells, thus, when you are lacking of it, you will simply don’t have enough red blood cell to keep on doing your usual physical activities. This is known as folate deficiency anemia.
Shortness of breath or dizziness
NetDoctor have explained that this type of symptoms commonly goes along with fainting and you might also notice that your heartbeat starts to begin abnormal with some palpitations.
Trouble in focusing
According to NetDoctor, you may also experience the feeling of lightheadedness or be increasingly forgetful, as well as irritation, which is another common symptom.
Body pains
When the anemia has turned to severe, it will lead to chest pain, leg pains, as well as headaches based on what NetDoctor have said.
The good news is that folate deficiency can actually be resolved as fast as it can set it, and the best and easiest way is through your regular diet. Try consuming lots of dark green vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and asparagus, as well as citrus fruit and fortified breakfast cereals. You might have also heard that folate is important for pregnant women, and that is due to its ability to help in the development of a healthy spinal cord when the fetus is still young. If you are pregnant or planning to become one, you have to consider a folic acid supplement.