Folate deficiency

Overview of folate deficiency

Folate deficiency
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fatigue, weakness, headache, irritability
Complications	Megaloblastic anemia, Neural tube defects in pregnancy
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Poor diet, malabsorption, certain medications
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Blood tests for folate levels
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Dietary supplementation, folic acid tablets
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Folate deficiency is a medical condition that occurs when there is a lack of sufficient folate (vitamin B9) in the body. Folate is essential for numerous bodily functions, including DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, as well as red blood cell production.

Causes

Folate deficiency can result from several factors:

• Dietary insufficiency: A diet low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals can lead to inadequate folate intake.
• Malabsorption: Conditions such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease can impair the absorption of folate from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Increased demand: Pregnancy, lactation, and periods of rapid growth increase the body's need for folate.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as methotrexate and phenytoin, can interfere with folate metabolism.

Symptoms

The symptoms of folate deficiency can vary but often include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Headache
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin

Complications

If left untreated, folate deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including:

• Megaloblastic anemia: A condition characterized by the production of abnormally large and immature red blood cells.
• Neural tube defects: In pregnant women, folate deficiency increases the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Diagnosis

Folate deficiency is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure the levels of folate in the serum or red blood cells. A complete blood count (CBC) may also be performed to check for anemia.

Treatment

Treatment involves increasing dietary intake of folate-rich foods and/or taking folic acid supplements. Foods high in folate include:

• Leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale)
• Citrus fruits
• Beans and legumes
• Fortified cereals and grains

Prevention

To prevent folate deficiency, it is recommended to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fortified foods. Women of childbearing age are advised to take folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Also see

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Anemia
• Neural tube defect
• Celiac disease

Nutrition information of Folate deficiency

• USDA on Folate deficiency