What is Folate Deficiency?

As A Life Health Group, we aim to provide reliable and comprehensive answers to all your health-related questions. In this article, we will examine folate deficiency, also known as folate insufficiency, in detail.

Folate is an important type of B vitamin for our body. It plays a role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. Folate deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough folate. This condition can lead to fatigue, weakness, anemia, and nervous system problems.

Folate deficiency during pregnancy, in particular, can cause serious birth defects in the baby.

Therefore, it is important to be informed about folate deficiency in the blood. Understanding its causes and symptoms is necessary. Additionally, knowing prevention and treatment methods is important for protecting your health.

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin. Since it is not naturally produced in our body, it must be obtained through food or supplements. Folate is essential for the formation of new cells, DNA synthesis, production of red blood cells, and normal functioning of the nervous system.

Folate is especially critical during pregnancy. Adequate folate intake is necessary for the development of the baby's nervous system and the prevention of birth defects.

The symptoms of folate deficiency can vary depending on its severity. Some people may show no signs, while others may experience serious health problems.

Common Symptoms:

• Fatigue and Weakness: Folate plays a role in energy production, so its deficiency can cause tiredness and weakness.
• Paleness: Folate deficiency can lead to anemia, which may cause pale skin.
• Shortness of Breath: Anemia can reduce oxygen transport in the body, causing difficulty in breathing.
• Heart Palpitations: The heart may work faster to deliver sufficient oxygen, leading to palpitations.
• Headache: Folate deficiency may cause headaches and dizziness.
• Inflamed Tongue: The tongue may become red, swollen, and painful.
• Loss of Appetite: Folate deficiency can lead to appetite loss and weight loss.
• Digestive Problems: Symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain may occur.
• Nervous System Problems: Numbness, tingling, memory issues, depression, and anxiety may develop.
• Pregnancy Complications: Folate deficiency can cause serious issues, including miscarriage, preterm birth, and neural tube defects in the baby.

Folate deficiency can arise from various factors.

Common Causes:

• Inadequate Nutrition: Not consuming enough folate-rich foods is the most common cause of deficiency.
• Malabsorption Disorders: Digestive diseases such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis can affect folate absorption, leading to deficiency.
• Alcoholism: Alcohol negatively impacts folate absorption and metabolism.
• Certain Medications: Drugs like methotrexate, phenytoin, and sulfasalazine can cause folate deficiency.
• Genetic Factors: Some genetic disorders affect folate metabolism, resulting in deficiency.
• Pregnancy: The body’s folate requirement increases during pregnancy; insufficient intake can lead to deficiency.
• Dialysis: People undergoing dialysis may experience folate loss.

Folate deficiency is usually diagnosed with a blood test. This test measures the level of folate (vitamin B9) in the blood. Low folate levels may manifest with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, concentration problems, and pale skin.

Your doctor does not only look at laboratory results. They also evaluate your medical history, listen to any complaints you have, and perform a physical examination.

In some cases, additional tests may be requested to understand the underlying causes of folate deficiency. For example; vitamin B12 levels, complete blood count, and assessments related to the digestive system. This is because B12 deficiency can also show similar symptoms and affect folate absorption. Therefore, a holistic approach is followed to make an accurate and clear diagnosis.

In folate deficiency, treatment is generally done with folate supplements. Your doctor determines the recommended daily folate amount suitable for you based on your blood test results. These supplements are usually taken in tablet form. Depending on the severity of the deficiency, the treatment duration may last a few weeks or several months.

Additionally, taking supplements alone is not sufficient. Foods rich in folate should also be preferred in the diet. Folate plays an important role in cell renewal, DNA synthesis, and the production of red blood cells in the body. Therefore, adequate intake is critical for a healthy life.

Some foods that help increase folate levels include:

• Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and asparagus
• Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons
• Protein- and fiber-rich foods such as liver, lentils, chickpeas, and beans
• Whole grains and nuts like hazelnuts and almonds

Regular consumption of these foods helps to correct folate deficiency and also prevents future deficiencies.

In folate deficiency, over time, the immune system may weaken, blood production may be impaired, and the nervous and digestive systems can be affected. Folate deficiency during pregnancy, in particular, can lead to serious congenital anomalies such as neural tube defects in the baby. Therefore, it is recommended that women take the recommended daily amount of folate supplements before and during pregnancy.

Additionally, the elderly, individuals with digestive disorders, alcohol users, and those with certain chronic diseases are also at risk. In these groups, symptoms of folate deficiency may be more severe.

The following foods are rich in folate:

• Dark green leafy vegetables: Spinach, chard, arugula, lettuce
• Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, beans
• Nuts and seeds: Hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds
• Whole grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats
• Fruits: Orange, strawberry, banana, avocado
• Liver: Beef and chicken liver
• Eggs

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, found in supplements and fortified foods.

Folate deficiency is more common in men, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with alcoholism. Additionally, those with certain digestive disorders and those taking specific medications are also at risk.

If folate deficiency is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems such as anemia, nervous system disorders, and complications during pregnancy.

For folate deficiency, you can consult a family physician or an internal medicine specialist. If necessary, they may refer you to specialists in other branches.

You can find more information about folate deficiency on the A Life Health Group website or other reliable health sources. Additionally, you can discuss folate deficiency and its possible causes with your doctor.

As A Life Health Group, we are pleased to support you in all matters related to your health. For folate deficiency and other health issues, you can schedule an appointment with our specialists for a detailed evaluation. You can make an appointment and get information from our experts by visiting our website or contacting us through our communication numbers.

Stay healthy!