Is low folic acid serious?

While folate deficiency is rare, it can cause severe complications such as birth defects and anemia. So it's important to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other foods that contain folate or folic acid. In addition, you can take a folic acid supplement.

What happens if folic acid is too low?

Without enough oxygen, your body can't work as well as it should. Low levels of folic acid can cause megaloblastic anemia. With this condition, red blood cells are larger than normal. There are fewer of these cells.

What symptoms does low folic acid cause?

What happens if folate deficiency is left untreated?

Folate deficiency will not go away on its own.

Treatment is required and may involve dietary changes and/or oral supplements and treatment of underlying causes, if any are present. If left untreated, folate deficiency may result in folate deficiency anemia, which can cause severe complications.

What cancers cause folic acid deficiency?

More recently, however, folate deficiency has been implicated in the development of cancer, notably of the cervix, lung, breast, brain and colorectum.

Folate Deficiency, Causes (ex. medications), Pathogenesis, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Does low folic acid cause weight gain?

Furthermore, folate deficiency may lead to body weight gain and adiposity [12]. Several studies has indicated a link between low folate intake or low serum folate concentration and greater body mass, BMI, overall fat accumulation, and higher waist circumference [13,14,15,16].

How long does it take to correct folate deficiency?

Folate-deficiency anemia most often responds well to treatment within 3 to 6 months. It will likely get better when the underlying cause of the deficiency is treated.

Why would a doctor prescribe folic acid?

Folic acid is used to: treat or prevent folate deficiency anaemia. help your baby's brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly in pregnancy, to avoid development problems (called neural tube defects) such as spina bifida.

Does folic acid make you gain weight?

A. No, folic acid does not make you gain weight.

What are the side effects of taking folic acid?

When taken by mouth: It is likely safe for most people to take folic acid in doses of no more than 1 mg daily. Doses higher than 1 mg daily may be unsafe. These doses might cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, confusion, behavior changes, skin reactions, seizures, and other side effects.

Does folic acid make you sleepy?

Does folic acid make you sleepy? Sleepiness is not a typical side effect of folic acid. In fact, if you start this medication for anemia (low red blood cell counts) due to low levels of folic acid in the body, it may even help you feel more energetic, since fatigue is one of the most common signs of anemia.

What is the most common cause of folate deficiency?

One of the most common causes of folate deficiency is not eating a healthy, balanced diet. A healthy diet includes foods that naturally contain folate or are enriched with folic acid.

Does low folate make you tired?

The symptoms of anemia that occur due to folate deficiency include: persistent fatigue. weakness. lethargy.

Does folic acid deficiency cause neurological symptoms?

Neurologic manifestations of folate deficiency are variable and include spina bifida in the fetus,¹³ depression,¹⁴ dementia,¹⁵ optic neuropathy,¹⁶ myelopathy,^4,12 and peripheral neuropathy. Of these, myelopathy, referred to as subacute combined degeneration, is the best known acquired neurologic complication.

What blocks folic acid absorption?

Diseases in which folic acid is not well absorbed in the digestive system (such as celiac disease or Crohn disease) Drinking too much alcohol. Eating overcooked fruits and vegetables. Folate can be easily destroyed by heat.

How do you treat low folate?

To treat folate deficiency anaemia, your GP will usually prescribe daily folic acid tablets to build up your folate levels. They may also give you dietary advice so you can increase your folate intake.

Can low folic acid cause hair loss?

Folate deficiency can cause hair, skin, and nail changes [22]. Vitamin B12 is necessary for DNA synthesis, neurological function, and red blood cell formation [22].

Can low folate cause anxiety?

“Problems with folate metabolism have been associated with depression and/or anxiety. This is partly due to inadequate SAMe synthesis. SAMe is required for neurotransmitter synthesis which is important for proper nerve and brain function.

Is folic acid and B12 the SAMe?

Vitamin B12 is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve cells, and it helps in the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. Vitamin B12 works closely with vitamin B9, also called folate or folic acid, to help make red blood cells and to help iron work better in the body.

Can low folate cause dizziness?

Not eating enough raw leafy vegetables and citrus fruits can cause folate deficiency. Anemia can develop, causing fatigue, paleness, irritability, shortness of breath, and dizziness. A severe deficiency may result in a red and sore tongue, diarrhea, a reduced sense of taste, depression, confusion, and dementia.

How long does it take for folic acid tablets to work?

Folic acid usually starts to work in a few hours. But if you're taking it for folate deficiency anaemia, it may be a few weeks before you start to feel better. It's important to keep taking your folic acid for as long as it's recommended.

Can folic acid cause insomnia?

Side effects.

Folic acid is generally regarded as safe. Side effects are rare. High doses of folic acid can cause nausea, bloating, gas, and insomnia.

Does folic acid affect your bowels?

You may experience nausea, black stool, constipation, loss of appetite, bloating or flatulence (gas) in some cases. Most of these side effects of FOLIC ACID do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

Can folic acid cause shortness of breath?

It can cause symptoms like weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and shortness of breath ( 14 , 15 ). If you take folic acid supplements and recognize any of these symptoms, consider getting your B12 levels checked.

Does folic acid make you feel sick?

You're unlikely to get side effects with folic acid, but some people feel sick, lose their appetite, get wind or feel bloated. These side effects are usually mild and do not last long.