Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms: Supplement the Deficiency Before It’s Too Late

Published on: 29 November 2017 Last Updated on: 02 March 2020
Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms

The human body needs to continuously take supplements in order to function optimally as not all vitamins and minerals are taken in recommended daily amounts. One such very important vitamin is folate or vitamin B9 or folic acid. In order to prevent further complications brought about by the lack of certain vitamins, it is wise to be proactive and identify folic acid deficiency symptoms at early onset.

Folic acid vs. folate

Both folic acid and folate are forms of the water-soluble vitamin B. Folate, otherwise known as vitamin B9, naturally occurs in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic folate compound that is used in vitamin supplements because of its increased stability.

Folate has been named after “folium,” Latin for “leaves,” because they were first isolated from spinach. Also, folate is the generic term used for both the naturally occurring folate that is found in foods and the synthetic form, folic acid.

The vitamin B complex nutrients are needed by the body in small amounts in order to function and stay healthy. In fact, according to recent medical journals, folate is involved in a number of intracellular reactions as a cofactor.

Deficiency potential

Research has found that the potential for folate deficiency is high or very common. In fact, it can be a serious problem if left untreated. In a 2006 USDA analysis of obtained data, most people in the US obtained adequate amounts of vitamin B9. But there is still a risk for some groups obtaining insufficient amounts.

Because folic acid is water-soluble, excess amounts of the vitamin in the body is excreted via human urine. This means that the human body needs a constant supply of this vitamin because the body cannot store it. And the recommended daily dose of folate is 0.4mg/d, which has been established for 20 years.

Read More:  Zinc Deficiency

Uses of vitamin B9 in the body

Vitamin B9 is vital for synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material. These vitamins also aid in the rapid cell division and growth and are important in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

But folate is particularly important for pregnant women to avoid major birth defects in the baby’s brain or spines, such as neural tube defects, including Spina Bifida and anencephaly. Combined with vitamin B12, it controls the blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is associated with certain chronic conditions such as heart disease.

Folate is also used to prevent eye disease age-related macular degeneration (AMD), to reduce signs of aging, to treat sleep problems, depression, AIDS, and inherited disease called Fragile-X syndrome. It is also used for age-related hearing loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and memory loss.

Folic acid deficiency symptoms

It is widely known that prevention is better than cure. So in order to avoid any further complication due to the lack of vitamin B9 in the body, here are the most common folic acid deficiency symptoms to watch out for, however subtle they may

be:

  • Poor immune function, which includes frequently getting sick
  • Chronic fatigue/low energy; also include chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Poor digestion, including bloating, IBS, and constipation
  • Early appearance of gray hair
  • Pale skin
  • Mouth sores and tender, swollen tongue
  • Developmental problems during pregnancy and infancy, consisting of stunted growth
  • Mood change often, such as irritability
  • Anemia (severe cases)

Causes of folic acid deficiency

  • Diet. One of the most common causes is poor diet. Folate naturally occurs in a wide array of foods, and among its richest sources include dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, asparagus, and broccoli), beef liver and kidney, yeast, and beans. Among other sources are eggs, beet, milk and other dairy products, and whole wheat bread.
  • Eating overcooked fruits and vegetables. Folate is easily destroyed by heat.
  • Diseases such as severe kidney problems requiring dialysis, certain types of cancers, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease affect the absorption of the vitamin in the GI tract
  • Too much alcohol consumption increases folate excretion via the urine
  • During pregnancy, a lot of folic acids are used up by the growing baby
  • Side effects of medication, which includes phenytoin (Dilantin), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, methotrexate, and sulfasalazine

Diagnosis

There are exams and tests taken to confirm folate deficiency in an individual. One of these is a blood test, to check the number of red blood cells and whether the body has enough vitamin B9. This is most common among pregnant women during their prenatal check-ups. But the most common procedure is the doctor checking the patient’s history and current health condition.

Read More:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Ear Health

Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing

Hearing loss isn't always something that can be prevented. Sometimes loss of hearing is just something that happens as you get older. But in an increasingly loud and busy world, hearing loss might be caused early or worsened by the environment around you. And once you're hearing is gone, it can be gone for good. Can you imagine life without being able to hear? It's a scary thought for many and should be. And yet, very few of us take the proper precautions in protecting our ears and our hearing. That changes now. If you're committed to the concept of ear health and protecting your hearing, read on. We'll discuss several ways to help ensure that your hearing stays strong and true for many years to come. The Case For Earplugs : You likely rolled your eyes back in your youth when your parents advised you to wear earplugs to that rock and roll concert. But they were on to something. Approximately 15% of Americans lose hearing as a result of too-loud work or leisure environments. If you work or spend lots of time in an environment where the sound level forces you to shout to be able to communicate, it's likely that the sound levels there are dangerously high. This loudness could be due to a concert or club, or even more often, due to some form of loud and consistent machinery. If you know that you spend many hours around this kind of noise level, you should absolutely invest in a good pair of earplugs. Earplugs are easy to obtain, generally affordable, and can even be made individualized for your ears upon request. They can dampen the level of sound coming in from your environment by a significant margin, helping to curb the possible loss of hearing. Keep The Volume Low : According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people each year are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of audio devices. Earbuds, like the popular headphones designed by Apple, are especially dangerous for ear health as they fit directly into the eardrum. If you're a music lover, you probably spend a lot of time listening to music on headphones. If you care about the health of your ears, though, you should make an effort to keep the volume at a lower level. Doctors recommend a philosophy they've dubbed the 60/60 rule. The rule is a recommendation that you listen to music through headphones at 60% volume for less than 60 minutes a day for the benefit of your hearing. Even when not listening to headphones, you should aim to keep music played at a normal level to ensure long-lasting ear health. Avoid Cotton Swabs : One of the most common items in any household bathroom cabinet is a jar of cotton swabs. These little tools have been used by people to clean out ear wax for years and years, but it's only more recently that their nefarious reputation has begun to reach the public. It actually turns out that a little wax in the ears is both healthy and normal. Ears are self-cleaning organs and the wax in your ears actually serves to prevent dust and other particles from entering your eardrum. If you do have excess wax, it is not advisable that you use a cotton swab. You can very easily damage your eardrum by using a cotton swab. Instead, considering using a damp towel to gently clean around the canal. There are also various ear wax solutions that are available in stores. These are applied to the ears overnight and can help to dissolve and soften ear wax so that it can flow out of the inner ear on its own. Keep Your Ears Dry : Another frequent cause of ear damage is extra moisture. Excess moisture can allow bacteria to enter the ear canal and cause serious problems, such as a swimmer's ear or other infections. Following swims at the pool or beach, showers or baths, or any other water-related activity, you should be sure to gently towel-dry your ears. If you can feel the moisture in your ear following swimming or bathing, tilt your head to the side and tug lightly on your eardrum to help water drain out. There are also specially designed swimmer's earplugs available on the market, which can help prevent water from entering your eardrum during a swim. They work great for any age, kids or adults, and can be individually fitted for your ear by a licensed physician. Consider Getting Regular Check-Ups : Especially as you get older, you should ask your physician to incorporate hearing screenings into your regular checkups. Hearing loss doesn't happen in a flash of light, it is a very gradual process. It's recommended, then, that you have yearly consultations with a hearing healthcare professional, who can recognize the signs of hearing loss while it is still in the early stages. Taking action against hearing loss is important, as is discussing it with your doctor. Loss of hearing has been linked to other health concerns such as depression, dementia, and heart disease. Establishing a relationship with your doctor in regards to ear health early on can contribute to better overall health later on. If you do find yourself losing hearing, you should ensure to invest in a proper hearing aid. With all the advances in rechargeable hearing aids over the past few years, they now serve people with hearing impairment much better.  A well-designed hearing aid can help improve the quality of life for someone who has lost hearing and can stave off the other health issues previously mentioned. If you're interested in the best hearing aids on the market, you can learn more here. Read Also : 5 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthier Smile Essential Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil Must-Have Appliances For A Healthier Life

READ MOREDetails
Mental Health Checks

The Importance Of Mental Health Checks Following A Truck Accident

Truck accidents can have severe physical consequences, but it's important not to overlook the potential impact on mental health. The conclusion of a truck accident can be emotionally traumatic, leading to a range of mental health issues. This blog post emphasizes the importance of mental health checks following a truck accident. We will explore how to recognize if treatment is needed, common symptoms of mental health issues, the importance of seeking treatment, and the types of mental health treatment available in North Carolina. Truck accident survivors can take an important step toward healing and recovery by prioritizing mental health checks and seeking appropriate treatment. How Do You Know If Treatment Is Needed After A Truck Accident? After experiencing a truck accident, the focus is often on assessing and addressing physical injuries. However, it is equally important to recognize the potential impact on mental health. Unlike physical injuries that may be immediately evident, mental health issues following a truck accident can often go unnoticed or be overshadowed by physical trauma. It is best to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for mental health treatment. Individuals can take proactive steps toward healing and recovery by recognizing these indicators. Common signs that treatment may be necessary include: Emotional Distress: Feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, or sadness that persist beyond the initial shock of the accident. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing recurring nightmares related to the accident. Flashbacks or Intrusive Thoughts: Vivid and distressing memories of the accident that intrude upon daily life and trigger anxiety or panic. Changes in Behavior: Abrupt changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from social activities, increased irritability, or reckless behavior. Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus or experiencing memory problems that interfere with work, school, or daily tasks. Physical Symptoms: Unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension, which may have psychological origins. Remember that these symptoms can vary individually, and seeking professional help is recommended if any signs of mental distress persist. Additionally, you can get a free consultation from Whitley Law to discuss the steps you should take following a truck accident. PTSD Following A Truck Accident In North Carolina, individuals who have experienced PTSD following a truck accident have access to various types of mental health treatment options. These treatment modalities aim to address post-traumatic stress disorder's specific symptoms and challenges. One commonly utilized form of treatment is psychotherapy, which involves working with a licensed mental health professional to explore and process traumatic experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often effective in helping individuals with PTSD identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their distress. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is yet another evidence-based therapy focusing on desensitizing distressing memories and replacing them with more adaptive information. Under a psychiatrist's guidance, medication management may also be utilized to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances associated with PTSD. Additionally, support groups provide a valuable platform for individuals to connect with others who have experienced similar trauma, offering validation, understanding, and shared coping strategies. The Importance Of Seeking Mental Health Treatment Following An Accident Seeking mental health treatment after a truck accident is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, untreated mental health issues can worsen over time, leading to chronic conditions that impact overall well-being. By addressing these issues early on, you can minimize the long-term effects on mental health. Additionally, mental health treatment can provide coping strategies to manage trauma-related symptoms and facilitate healing. Psychotherapy can help you process your emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and regain control over your life. Seeking mental health treatment can play an important role in supporting legal claims. Documentation of mental health treatment can strengthen a personal injury case by providing evidence of the emotional impact and the need for compensation. The Types Of Mental Health Treatment You Can Attend In North Carolina North Carolina offers various mental health treatment options for individuals seeking support after a truck accident. These options include: Psychotherapy: Working with a mental health professional to address and manage the emotional and psychological impact of the accident. Medication Management: Manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A psychiatrist can evaluate the need for medication and monitor its effectiveness. Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide a safe space to connect with others who have experienced similar traumatic events. Sharing experiences, insights, and coping strategies can be beneficial in the recovery process.  Rehabilitation Programs: For individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction that may have developed as a coping mechanism, rehabilitation programs can offer comprehensive support and treatment. Holistic Therapies: Complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, or art therapy may also be beneficial in promoting mental and emotional well-being. Get Your Health In Check After a truck accident, the focus is often on physical injuries, but it's essential not to neglect your mental health. Recognizing the signs that treatment or counseling may be needed, understanding the importance of seeking help, and being aware of the mental health treatment options available in North Carolina are key steps toward healing and recovery. Individuals can address trauma-related symptoms by prioritizing mental health checks, developing effective coping strategies, and regaining control over their lives. Seeking professional help is a mark of strength, and support is available to help you navigate the emotional aftermath of a truck accident. Read Also: 10 healthy Habits to improve your health How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health Living Healthily | Six Crucial Lifestyle Tips for College Freshmen

READ MOREDetails

Nail Kit Essentials: A Guide To Perfect Home Manicures

Nail kits have revolutionized the self-care practice of manicures, offering salon-style results at home. With innovations allowing for easier polish applications, professional designs, and long-lasting wear, a manicure from home is simply what most women want. Moreover, a nail kit helps you master the art of nail care at home and offers both satisfaction and therapeutic benefits. Whether you're saving money or unsure about going to the salon, DIY manicures provide a more affordable and therapeutic alternative. However, having a nail kit is about more than just beautifying your nails. It also helps you find a quick fix against chipping, warping, glops, bubbles, or smudging. So, let us explore the items you must include in your nail kit for the best manicure experiences at home. What To Include In A Nail Kit? When preparing your nail kit, you must include some extremely important items. These items can be divided into two parts— Items to enhance nail health. Items to beautify nails. Read Also: The Profound Impact Of Well-Groomed Nails On Confidence Natural Nail Care Kit Given below are your essentials to maintain healthy nails: Cuticle Oil Cuticle oil is a natural remedy that can stimulate nail growth. It helps protect the nail and cuticle from trauma and improves the nail's health and appearance. Moreover, this oil protects the polish from damage, ensuring a lasting shine. Also, cuticle oil keeps skin moisturized, promoting strong and healthy nails. This item is rich in coconut oil and Vitamin E Jojoba Seed, which hydrates the skin around nail beds, reduces hangnails and prevents dryness. Applying once or twice daily and massaging into cuticles can result in immediate results. Therefore, regular use promotes healthy nail growth, prevents splitting or peeling, and keeps nails looking their best. Nail Filer Filing nails gives them a customized shape and strengthens and prevents chipping. Therefore, a nail filer is one of the most important items in your nail kit. For optimal results, file nails at least once a week. Filing is crucial for nail polish preparation as it prolongs the life of the polish or gel nails. Moreover, to file nails properly, trim the tip and adjust the length, move the file in one direction, file the sides straight toward the tip, and create a curve around the side. Moreover, nails grow faster in summer than in winter. Therefore, filing them regularly is essential to enjoy long-lasting gel nails. Nail And Hand Lotion One of the main causes of brittleness and breaking in nails is moisture loss. Using hand lotion encourages healthy nail development and reduces moisture loss. Exposure to drying elements like dishwashing, sun, or paperwork increases the need for frequent moisturizers. Therefore, rubbing lotions or creams prevents drying and peeling, stimulating blood circulation in the matrix. Moreover, topical lotions treat nails from weakness, cracking, discoloration, and crookedness. They help strengthen nails, protecting them from color changes, increasing thickness, and stimulating growth. You can use non-sticky creams to soften hands, hydrate them, and protect them from environmental damage. Polishing & Coating Kit Once you’re done packing your kit with the health-boosting items, let us come to the beautifying kit for nails. Here are some of the most important items you must add: Press-On Nails The nail industry constantly evolves and plays a crucial role in our beauty lives. Maintaining nails can be challenging due to costs and time constraints. Therefore, these DIY nail options, such as press-on nails, help you find the perfect solution to replace professional nail salon services. Press-on nails are easy to apply, durable, and resistant to chipping or loss of shine. They can be cleaned with alcohol, filed down, and glued back on if needed. These strong plastic nails can last long and be used for showering, but they should be kept dry for extended periods to prevent flimsiness. Gel Polishes In recent years, the nail polish industry has expanded, with gel nail polish emerging as a new alternative to traditional acrylics and acrylics. Gel polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp, unlike regular polish, which is dried naturally. Moreover, its quick-drying, durable formula prevents chipping and smudging, and the gel color remains bright and shiny. Gel manicures can last up to one month, with the only long-term side effect being nail growth. However, gel nail removal is more complex and time-consuming than regular lacquer, but the convenience of a single manicure is worth the effort. As a new product, there's confusion about its benefits, removal process, and differences between regular and gel polishes. Minimalist French Manicure Minimalist nails are elegant and clean, suitable for any occasion. They can be in subtle colors like white, black, grey, or muted tones. The art features thin lines, small dots, and geometric shapes, making natural nails part of the overall look. The French manicure is a classic minimalist nail design with a natural base coat and white tip, presenting a modern and fresh look. Moreover, a micro French manicure is a subtle design with a thin line at the tips, showcasing the natural nail. Both designs are trendy and elegant, making them perfect for any occasion due to their simplicity and elegance. Base & Top Coats When selecting a nail kit, the colorful polishes, and fun nail tips are undoubtedly thrilling, but they're not the only considerations. Moreover, a high-quality base and top coat are essential for achieving a salon-grade manicure at home. Also, a base coat or primer for gel or acrylic nail systems safeguards your natural nails and provides superior adhesion for a durable manicure. These coats safeguard your manicure and deliver a polished finish. Tools For Innovation Achieving a clean and polished manicure can be difficult, especially when securing a comfortable grip on the brush. Fortunately, many nail beautifying brands offer universal accessories to make maneuvering those pesky, slim polish brushes a breeze. Therefore, with these tools, anyone can achieve a striking, salon-grade manicure from their home. Nail Care Is Self Care A variety of nail products in a kit allows for various possibilities and styles. Seek manicure kits in multiple hues and textures, such as glittering metallics and traditional cremes. For those who prefer more creative options, consider kits with nail art tools like dotting or striping tape. This kit provides everything for a gel or French manicure at your fingertips, making it cost-efficient over time. Therefore, before starting the manicure, wash your hands thoroughly and use a tissue to wipe each nail with nail polish remover. Moreover, you can use cotton balls. However, they contain lint and leave a residue. If you don't want extra cleaning, use a lint-free facial cotton pad instead. This kit provides everything you need for a gel manicure at home.   Read Also: Polish Your Creativity: A Colorful Journey into Self-Care With Nail Polish Amazing Beauty Tips For Women Of All Ages How Long Do Gel Nails Last?

READ MOREDetails