6 Important Signs of Folate Deficiency

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.