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Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is a very important vitamin for overall health and well-being. It plays a critical role in several essential bodily functions, and a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to various health problems. What is Dysuria, and what causes it in men and women, and what are the ways to treat it?
◉ What is Folic acid?
Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the B-complex group of vitamins. It is considered one of the most important vitamins for maternal health due to its crucial role in fetal development.
Folate is like a helper vitamin that keeps our cells healthy, contributes to making new blood cells, and plays a part in keeping our bodies working well, especially when the body is growing rapidly, like during pregnancy.
Folate deficiency can arise from inadequate dietary intake, certain medical conditions, or medication interactions. Blood analysis can help diagnose abnormalities.
In cases of deficiency, treatment typically involves folic acid supplementation, guided by healthcare professionals, to replenish levels and prevent complications.
◉ Function and importance of folic acid
Folic acid is a very important vitamin for overall health and well-being. It plays a critical role in several essential bodily functions:
- Folic acid is essential for the synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA.
- Amino acid metabolism (which are the building blocks of proteins).
- Folic acid is necessary for the maturation of red blood cells. A deficiency can result in megaloblastic anemia.
- Folat is crucial for proper neural tube development in the developing fetus
- It protects against heart diseases resulting from elevated homocysteine levels.
- It is essential for maintaining good mental health and preventing depression and other mental disorders.
- Adequate folic acid intake is associated with healthy brain function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
◉ Food Sources of folic acid
Folate is naturally found in a variety of foods, and it's also commonly added to foods and available as a supplement
- Dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, lettuce, and green turnips.
- Fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, avocado, papaya.
- Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and other legumes provide a significant amount of folate.
- Eggs.
- Cooked beef liver.
- Seafood.
- Whole grains.
- Sunflower seeds.
- Nuts such as pistachios and sunflower Seeds.
- Fortified Cereals.
Note : the synthetic form of folic acid, when taken as a supplement, is often more efficiently absorbed by the body compared to the folate naturally present in food sources.
◉ Causes of folic acid Deficiency
Although Vitamin B9 deficiency is a rare condition due to its availability in good proportions in many foods, there are exceptional cases in which an individual may suffer from a deficiency due to various factors. The most important causes of folic acid deficiency include
- Inadequate Dietary Intake: If a person doesn't consume enough foods containing folic acid or folate, they can develop a deficiency.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: a growing fetus requires high levels of Vitamin B9 to complete the growth of its organs and vital systems, which, in turn, leads to a deficit in the pregnant mother
- Alcohol addiction: alcohol interferes with the absorption of folic acid, while also accelerating its breakdown in the human body, leading to a significant reduction in its levels.
- Malabsorption: some digestive surgeries and diseases such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease can affect the absorption of this vitamin.
- Medications: certain medications can interfere with folic acid absorption: methotrexate, birth control medications, anticonvulsants, and cholesterol-lowering Medications.
- Genetic mutations: some people suffer from genetic disorders that affect the gene responsible for converting folic acid into its active form (MTHFR) in the human body. As a result, the vitamin is excreted without contributing to its biological functions.
- Dialysis
- Hemolytic anemia
◉ Symptoms of folat acid Deficiency
Folate deficiency manifests through a set of symptoms that gradually escalate, impacting various body organs. Common symptoms of folate deficiency include:
- Symptoms related to anaemia: folic acid deficiency is a common cause of macrocytic anemia. This can result in fatigue, weakness, pale Skin and shortness of breath.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- Fetal deformities: insufficient folate during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus
- Cardiovascular Issues elevated homocysteine levels due to folate deficiency can impact cardiovascular health
- Memory disorders and difficulty concentrating.
- Feeling of tingling and numbness in the extremities.
- Mouth sores and tongue swelling.
- Visual impairment.
- Psychological disorders.
◉ Recommended intake
The recommended intake of folic acid varies depending on factors such as age, gender, life stage, and individual health needs. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for folic acid is typically measured in micrograms (mcg). Here are some general guidelines:
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months | 65 mcg | 65 mcg | ||
| 7–12 months | 80 mcg | 80 mcg | ||
| 1–3 years | 150 mcg | 150 mcg | ||
| 4–8 years | 200 mcg | 200 mcg | ||
| 9–13 years | 300 mcg | 300 mcg | ||
| 14–18 years | 400 mcg | 400 mcg | 600 mcg | 500 mcg |
| 19+ years | 400 mcg | 400 mcg | 600 mcg | 500 mcg |
Note: certain individuals with specific medical conditions or taking certain medications, higher doses of folic acid may be recommended under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
◉ Frequently asked questions
Does the dosage of folic acid differ for those addicted to alcohol consumption?
The dose of folate should be adjusted for addicts. This is justified because alcoholic beverages interfere with folic acid and weaken its absorption. The equivalent dose of folate for addicts is estimated to be 700 micrograms.
Does high doses of folic acid cause toxicity?
Toxicity resulting from natural vitamin B9 found in food is very rare. High doses of folic acid from supplements can potentially lead to adverse effects and mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
When should folic acid pills be taken?
The golden period for taking folic acid is during the first trimester of pregnancy. As for taking vitamin B9 treatment, the daily dose can be taken anytime during the day, preferably after meals to avoid any digestive side effects.