Folate also is known as
folic acid or Vitamin B9 refers to a water-soluble vitamin that is essential
for a number of body functions. It helps in supporting the adrenal function,
maintaining and supporting the nervous system and normalizing metabolic
processes.
Folate is important for
the development and growth, protection of the human body against cancers of the
lung, cervix, and colon. It also helps in repairing genetic materials and
stimulates DNA production. Below
are the most common Folate Deficiency Symptoms.
- Anemia
Anemia refers to a health
condition that may arise when the blood does not contain enough supplies of
healthy hemoglobin or red blood cells. The human blood will need the presence
of folic acid for it to produce the normal red blood cells. When folic acid is
at low levels, a condition known as megaloblastic anemia can appear as a result.
Megaloblastic anemia hampers the development of red blood cells.
- Chronic Low Energy
Feeling chronically
deprived of energy can be another sign of folate deficiency. Low folate levels
in the human body can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome which is a health
condition that is characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts more than 6
months. One of the basic functions of folate is also regulation of the adrenal
glands.
- Changes in Mood
It is important that any
change in mood is examined carefully since it can be due to a lot of underlying
causes. Since it is a fact that folate
is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, there are times
when it can be inferred and its deficiency can have an impact on the
neurological function.
- Digestive Issues
Digestive problems are
among the top Folate Deficiency Symptoms.
Folic acid helps in stimulating the production of stomach acid. This
acid is essential since it helps in ensuring proper digestion. Some of the
common digestion problems that can result from low stomach acid levels are
nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and constipation.
- Unhealthy Skin
Skin condition is normally
considered to be one of the best indicators of overall health. Folic is very important to the human skin
since it will require the acid for nourishment and prevent the skin from skin
cancer. Folate together with Vitamin D is considered to be important for skin
cell reproduction. Since exposure to ultraviolet reduces the presence of folate
in the skin, it is advisable that one supplements the nutrient.
Due to the ability of
folate to repair and reconstruct DNA, several researchers hypothesize that the
supplementation of folate is a practical action which can help in preventing
skin cancer.
- Graying and Loss of Hair
Graying and loss of hair
are also among the most popular Folate Deficiency Symptoms. Folic acid helps in
replenishing cells that aid in hair growth. Whenever the folic acid levels
drop, the cells are deprived of the necessary nutrients that stimulate the
growth of hair which can result in loss of hair. Deficiency of folic acid can
also hasten the development of grey hair.
Throughout the pregnancy
period, folate helps the growth of placenta and fetus. It also assists in
preventing birth defects especially ones related to spinal cord and brain.
