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The percentage of people lacking folic acid in India ranges from 2% to 79.5%. In fact, teenagers have the highest range of prevalence, followed by children under 5. Moreover, despite the fact that prenatal treatment guarantees folic acid supplementation to reduce low folate symptoms, 17.5% to 29.4% of expectant moms experience folate deficiency.
Although these numbers seem minor, the long-term health effects are major. Not only are folate deficiency symptoms associated with neural tube defects and anaemia, but they also result in gastrointestinal tract problems, cardiovascular system, neuro-cognitive system, visual defects, developmental delay, and malignancies. As a result, it is important to identify the symptoms of folate deficiency in adults and get immediate treatment to ward off serious medical conditions.
What is Folate Deficiency?
Folate, aka folic acid, is generally a type of vitamin B that helps repair DNA, create DNA, and generate RBCs.
Individuals can develop a folate deficiency if their diet is deficient in certain nutrients. Some foods and drinks like dark green vegetables and citrus juices are two excellent sources that are high in folate. In case you do not consume sufficient amounts of folate, you could end up with severe folate deficiency symptoms.
Not just this, if you have any medical condition or genetic mutation that stops your body from absorbing folate or converting it to a form your body can use, it could potentially result in a deficiency.
In addition, a deficit in folate can also lead to anaemia. Anaemia is a health condition where individuals have insufficient RBCs. Because RBCs carry oxygen, anaemia can deprive your tissues of the oxygen they require. This results in their abnormal functioning. Hence, it is important to look for folate anaemia symptoms immediately if you face one.
What are the Symptoms of a Folic Acid Deficiency?
The initial symptoms of a folic acid deficiency are fatigue and irritability. Some other symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Anaemia symptoms
- Red, tender tongue
- Paleness
- Loss of memory
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Oral symptoms
- Neurological symptoms
- Mouth ulcer/mouth sores
- Reduced sense and feel of taste
- Difficulty in concentration
- Problems in judgement, etc.
Apart from this, some more folic acid deficiency symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of energy
- Diarrhoea
- Depression etc.
What Causes Folate Deficiency Symptoms?
Failing to consume an adequate amount of folate-rich foods is a leading cause of increased folate insufficiency. Additionally, some of the causes of folic acid deficiency symptoms in adults include:
- Kidney dialysis
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Conditions affecting the digestive system. Individuals with Crohn's disease or celiac disease have trouble absorbing folic acid.
- Hemolytic anaemia is when the RBCs are destroyed and fail to respond or get replaced soon enough.
- Overcooking food destroys the natural folate present in the food.
- Some medications, including anti-seizure medications and those used to treat ulcerative colitis, can hinder the absorption of folate.
Risk Factors for Folate Deficiency
Some factors that add up and increase the likelihood of developing folic acid shortage symptoms include:
- Pregnancy
- Heavy alcohol intake
- Consuming overcooked foods
- Having a vitamin-deficient diet
- Having medical conditions like sickle cell disease
- Certain medications
- Elderly people residing at institutional care
How is a Folate Deficiency Diagnosed?
Low folic acid symptoms are usually diagnosed through a simple blood test. During prenatal examinations, doctors will routinely test the folate levels of pregnant women. Additional testing kits may be used at home.
Moreover, your doctor will proceed with the treatment only after diagnosing it accurately. The treatment generally depends on:
- How ill you are/overall health
- Your medical history
- Your age
- Your medicine tolerance
- How well can you handle therapies and treatments, etc?
How are Low Folate Symptoms Treated?
Folate deficiency treatment involves several methods. Individuals suffering from folate deficiency need to:
- Increase the amount of folate consumed through food.
- If you want to lack folic acid symptoms, you must take folic acid supplements for at least 2-3 months. These medications can be in the form of injections or shots.
- Take methylated folate (if you have the MTHFR mutation that impacts folate absorption)
- Consume B complex vitamins and mineral supplements
- Cut alcohol intake
- Treat digestive problems first (in case you have any).
>> Also Read: Are Blood Tests Covered by Health Insurance?
Health Complications of Folate Deficiency
A low folate level can have severe health implications during pregnancy. Folic acid is essential for the neural tube and central nervous system of the developing baby. Neural tube malformations are a leading cause of serious birth abnormalities in cases of folate insufficiency. Some examples of neural tube abnormalities include anencephaly and spina bifida.
Another complication of folate deficiency is an increased risk of placental abruption. This occurs when the placenta ruptures its uterine attachments. On top of that, your unborn child could be born prematurely or with a low birth weight. Additionally, research has linked low folate symptoms during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism in the child.
Folate deficiency anaemia is another possible health complication of low folic acid. In addition to causing anaemia, folic acid deficiency can also produce big, dysfunctional red blood cells. Apart from this, some other major complications include:
- Depression
- Certain cancers
- Dementia
- Infertility
- Cardiovascular disease
- Alzheimer
- Decreased cognitive function, etc.
How Does Insurance Help in Treating Folate Symptoms?
Looking at the major health complications, it is evident that the treatment cost would break your bank. Although treating folate deficiency symptoms seem to be easy, the later stages can be difficult. If left untreated or unnoticed, it can lead to major conditions.
Moreover, folate deficiency anaemia during pregnancy can even cause death before or soon after birth. It might even lead to paralysis. In fact, looking at the treatment costs involved in hospitalisation, medication, and post-hospitalisation for certain conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease, it is wise to have a financial shield. A health insurance policy will protect you and your loved ones from the hefty treatment costs.
You can consider comprehensive health insurance offered by Care Health Insurance, which makes sure it provides complete coverage against a long list of medical conditions. Not only does it act as a financial protection but helps you save your hard-earned money and care for your loved ones while it takes care of the treatment expenses.
Wrapping Up
Most individuals receive sufficient folic acid from a balanced diet. However, others may need supplements to fulfil the deficiency. Note that folate deficiency symptoms are more prevalent in women than men.
Keep an eye out for anything that can lower your folate levels. Ensure that you eat plenty of foods that are rich in folate. If you are concerned, you may have a nutritional deficiency or are trying to conceive. You must consult with your doctor.
Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
