2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
There is a reason why pregnant women are always advised to take folic acid in tablet form. This prevents defects in the nerves, brain or spinal cord in babies.
But folic acid is also important for other people. Another name for folic acid is vitamin B9, which is naturally found in foods such as dark leafy vegetables, asparagus and Brussels sprouts.
Folic acid is especially important for women during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, a time of rapid cell division and DNA production, says Tori Armal, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Nutrition and a specialist in maternal and prenatal nutrition.
Folic acid is an important vitamin that simply helps your body stay healthy. "Our bodies make DNA and form new cells all the time, just to stay healthy," says Armal.
The problem is that the body does not form folic acid on its own, so you need to take it through foods or supplements. When you don't get enough of it, some pretty unpleasant symptoms can occur.
What are the symptoms of folic acid deficiency?
The biggest sign of folic acid deficiency is megaloblastic anemia, a condition in which the body has a low number of red blood cells. If you are deficient in folic acid, your red blood cell count may decrease. This can deprive your tissues of oxygen, leading to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue and irritability, headaches, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating.
Cells in the mouth and skin are renewed very often, so it is also common to see the first signs of folic acid deficiency with symptoms such as superficial sores in the mouth or tongue; discoloration or pallor of the skin; premature graying of hair.
Talk to your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms. While many health problems can cause headaches and fatigue, your doctor may do a blood test to confirm folic acid deficiency.
But do you really have to worry about folic acid deficiency?
Folic acid deficiency is less common, especially if you take a variety of nutrients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that less than 1% of the population does suffer from folic acid deficiency.
However, some people are at higher risk of folic acid deficiency than others. Those who suffer from alcoholism, for example, tend to not eat properly and have damaged systems - say the liver, which can not function properly, and hence the improper digestion and absorption of nutrients, says Armal.
People who suffer from gastrointestinal problems, heart problems and inflammatory bowel disease are also at higher risk of folic acid deficiency due to the increased chances of food malabsorption.
Women in the early stages of pregnancy may also be at risk of inadequate folic acid intake, in part because when you are pregnant, your need for folic acid increases (the baby grows), while, on the other hand, your appetite may increase. decreased, notes Armal.
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