What does low folates mean?
What does low folates mean?
Folate-deficiency anemia is the lack of folic acid in the blood. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps your body make red blood cells. If you don’t have enough red blood cells, you have anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body.
What do folates do for the body?
Folate (vitamin B-9) is important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function. The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine.
What foods are folates in?
[38,39] Good sources of folate include:
- Dark green leafy vegetables (turnip greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli)
- Beans.
- Peanuts.
- Sunflower seeds.
- Fresh fruits, fruit juices.
- Whole grains.
- Liver.
- Seafood.
Can low folic acid cause weight gain?
Furthermore, folate deficiency may lead to body weight gain and adiposity [12]. Several studies has indicated a link between low folate intake or low serum folate concentration and greater body mass, BMI, overall fat accumulation, and higher waist circumference [13,14,15,16].
What problems can a folate deficiency cause?
Folate deficiency can cause anemia. Anemia is a condition in which you have too few RBCs. Anemia can deprive your tissues of oxygen it needs because RBCs carry the oxygen….The symptoms of anemia that occur due to folate deficiency include:
- persistent fatigue.
- weakness.
- lethargy.
- pale skin.
- shortness of breath.
- irritability.
Is folate same as folic acid?
The terms “folic acid” and “folate” often are used interchangeably. However, folate is a general term used to describe the many different forms of vitamin B9: folic acid, dihydrofolate (DHF), tetrahydrofolate (THF), 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5, 10-MTHF), and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) 1.
What are the consequences of taking too much folate?
Symptoms of Folic Acid Overdose Hypersensitivity Reactions. Allergic reactions are common symptoms of folic acid overdose. Gastrointestinal disturbances. People suffering from folic acid overdose may also experience nausea, flatulence, distention of the abdomen, loss of appetite, and metallic taste in the mouth as signs of Insomnia. Cognitive disturbances.
What foods are high in folate?
Avocados
What is folate deficiency and how to treat it?
Key points about folate-deficiency anemia Most folate-deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of folic acid in the diet. Leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains are natural sources of folic acid. Folate-deficiency anemia in pregnancy may cause a neural tube defect.
Which is one of the first symptoms of folate deficiency?
You may experience other symptoms as a result of a deficiency in folic acid. These include diarrhea, mouth ulcers, stomach ulcers, gray hair, poor growth and a swollen tongue. You can consider getting your folic acid levels checked with a blood test by your doctor.
