Folic acid, commonly known as vitamin B9, is a necessary nutrient for the formation of red blood cells and tissue growth. It is an essential nutrient for pregnant women as it helps prevent birth defects during fetal development.

Folic acid can be consumed through a balanced diet or supplements but not having enough folic acid can lead to problems. Let’s delve into the signs and symptoms of low folic acid levels.

What Causes Low Folic Acid Levels?

A delicate balance of folic acid in the body can be affected by several factors. Some reasons for low folic acid levels are:.

Poor dietary habits
Pregnancy or breastfeeding (increased folic acid requirements)
Malabsorption from the digestive tract due to certain medical disorders
Chronic alcoholism
Medications such as methotrexate, sulfa drugs, and phenytoin
Genetic mutations such as MTHFR gene mutations, which cause imbalances in folic acid metabolism

Signs and Symptoms of Low Folic Acid Levels

Low folic acid levels may cause the following symptoms:.

1. Fatigue and Weakness

Folic acid is required for the production of red blood cells and low levels can cause anemia, leading to fatigue and weakness in the body. This is one of the most common symptoms.

2. Mouth Sores and Tongue Swelling

People with low folic acid levels may develop canker sores in their mouth and tongue swelling, which may cause difficulty in eating and swallowing.

3. Digestive Problems

Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea, and bloating due to low folic acid.

4. Mood Changes

Folic acid is necessary for synthesizing brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Therefore, low folic acid levels can lead to depression or irritability.

5. Skin Changes

Folic acid deficiency may cause changes in skin pigmentation, making it appear pale, grey, or yellowish. It may also cause hair thinning, nail discoloration, and slow or improper hair growth.

6. Pregnancy Complications

Folic acid is essential for proper fetal development and low levels can lead to complications like neural tube defects, premature birth, and low birth weight.

7. Cardiovascular Disease

Having low folic acid levels can lead to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, as it plays a vital role in keeping the heart healthy.

8. Cognitive Impairment

Folic acid plays an important role in cognitive function and low levels can lead to memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline. This may be more common in older adults with low folic acid.

9. Weak Immunity

Folic acid is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and low levels can lead to recurrent infections.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing low folic acid levels can be achieved through consuming a balanced diet rich in folic acid or taking folic acid supplements.

Pregnant women need to take folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects, starting before conception and continuing during the first trimester.

For those with a diagnosed folic acid deficiency, supplements are the most effective way to increase folic acid levels in the body.

Treatment may also involve identifying and addressing any underlying cause of low folic acid levels, such as medication or dietary intake.

Conclusion

Folic acid is an essential nutrient that plays important roles in many bodily functions. Low folic acid levels can cause several symptoms, so proper detection, prevention, and treatment is necessary.

Consuming a balanced diet including foods rich in folic acid and supplementation are effective ways to maintain optimal folic acid levels.