Top Causes of Folic Acid Deficiency

Knowing the top causes of folic acid deficiency is important because this nutrient can give a woman 50% more protection from some birth defects. Folic acid is used to repair and protect the DNA of cells and really is crucial when it comes to the development of a person.

This nutrient also makes a difference when it comes to the red blood cells in a human body which bring oxygen to various organs and they eliminate waste. So if someone is feeling really lethargic and tired one cause may be a lack of folic acid in their diet and the scientific name of this is anemia.

People who consume above average levels of alcohol and who have malnutrition are all at risk for being deficient in this vitamin. Malnutrition can be people who don’t eat enough of the green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, eggs or some of the whole wheat foods like cereals and breads are all at risk for not having enough of this vitamin in their diet.

Another thing to think about is the quality of the food. For instance, every second vegetables are being shipped and sitting on a shelf they lose vitamins. Plus overcooking them causes a loss in folic. Some other major risk factors could be prescription drugs. Some drugs may inhibit the absorption of this substance and may even suppress it. Make sure to talk to a physician when it comes to risk factors of any drugs that you take.

Also the older someone is the more of a chance that they can be deficient. This is called the aging process and it means that the older we get, the more likelihood something is going to break, just like an automobile. Plus pregnancy can put a woman at risk since she needs more folic, and some diseases like kidney failure and cancer.

What is tricky is that the symptoms of a folic acid deficiency may not show up for a long time. The top one is lack of energy, however this can also be caused by a number of other factors. Headaches with problems in concentration, and diarrhea can all be symptoms as well.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid may also play a role in mood disorders. So if you notice yourself or a loved one acting more depressed than they normally are, maybe they need some folic acid. Also remember folic is used for way more purposes than just protecting pregnant woman. It is used to keep bones strong, building red blood cells, preventing high cholesterol, cancer, Alzheimer’s, fighting toxins, and improving the way skin looks to name a few.

In the end, the safest way to ensure someone is getting enough of the nutrient is to take a supplement. For information on how to pick the right supplement for your situation as well as what not to look for, click on .