Folate also known as vitamin B9 is a necessary nutrient that helps in DNA production, red blood cell formation and overall cell health. It may cause several health complications. Therefore, it is important to understand folate deficiency symptoms, causes and prevention. People with deficiency can easily ensure adequate intake of folate by consuming a folate tablet.

Causes of low folic acid

There are some low folic acid causes, these include:

  • Poor Diet: A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, legumes and fortified foods may cause folate deficiency. A folate tablet can bridge the nutritional gap.
  • Malabsorption Disorders: Diseases such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and some gastric diseases can reduce the body’s capacity to absorb folate. In such a case, a folate tablet is the best solution.
  • Excessive alcohol use: Alcohol inhibits the absorption of folate and enhances its excretion. Taking a folate tablet can benefit those who drink alcohol regularly.
  • Pregnancy and High Demand: Pregnant women require high folate levels to develop a foetus. Folic acid is essential in preventing birth defects and, many doctors prescribe a folate tablet as prenatal care.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as methotrexate and antiepileptic drugs, affect folate metabolism, increasing the necessity of folate tablets.

Symptoms of folate acid deficiency

Identifying folate deficiency symptoms early can avert serious health issues. Some common symptoms are:

  • Weakness or feeling of fatigue
  • Pale skin caused by anaemia
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mouth sores and swelling of the tongue

Folate deficiency prevention

The prevention is easy with a healthy lifestyle and balanced food choices. Follow these steps to ensure adequate folate intake-

  1. Include Folate-Rich Foods

Foods such as green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, lettuce), citrus fruits (oranges, lemon), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans), fortified cereals and grains are high in folate. Include these in your pregnancy diet for a healthy pregnancy.

  1. Consume folate tablet

For those who are not able to get enough folic acid through their diet, taking a folate tablet can help enhance folic acid levels. Pregnant women need extra folic acid for pregnancy, as it is necessary for foetal growth. Many doctors recommend a daily dose of folate tablets to ensure proper folate intake.

  1. Decrease alcohol consumption

Reducing alcohol intake can increase folate absorption and ensure optimal vitamin B9 levels. If alcohol intake impacts nutrient absorption, a folate tablet might be beneficial.

  1. Manage Underlying health conditions

If you have a condition that impairs nutrient absorption, talk to your doctor about taking a folate tablet to avoid deficiency. Knowing the reasons for low folic acid, identifying symptoms of folate deficiency, and adhering to folate deficiency prevention measures can assist in maintaining healthy folate levels.

Trimacare: Best Folate Tablets for pregnancy

Trimacare is India’s first and safest multivitamin tablet with folic acid for pregnancy. It is designed specifically to provide trimester-wise care and fill nutritional gaps during pregnancy. Trimacare pregnancy supplement is specifically formulated by experts following the guidance set by WHO and ICMR. Trimacare folate tablet contains l-methyl folate, which is a more biodegradable form of folic acid, being 7 times more effective. It is highly suitable for people having an MTHFR gene mutation.

Conclusion

Folate is an important vitamin that maintains general well-being, and a lack of it can result in various complications. Knowing the reasons for low folic acid, identifying deficiency symptoms, and adhering to folate deficiency prevention measures can assist in maintaining healthy folate levels.

With or without diet, taking folate tablets, the proper amount of folate intake is imperative—particularly in women contemplating pregnancy.

By taking folate tablets daily and following a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients, you can safeguard your health and well-being in the long term.

FAQs

  1. What are the usual folate deficiency symptoms?

Common folate deficiency symptoms are weakness, fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sores in the mouth.

  1.  What are the primary causes of low folic acid?

Low folic acid causes are inadequate diet, malabsorption diseases, heavy alcohol intake, pregnancy, and some medications that affect folate absorption.

  1. What is the consequence of untreated folate deficiency?

Untreated folate deficiency has been shown to result in anaemia, elevated risk of pregnancy-related birth defects, mental disorders, and compromised immunity.

  1. In what ways do folate tablets prevent deficiency?

Folate tablets contain a high dose of vitamin B9 to ensure sufficient intake, particularly for individuals with poor absorption, dietary deficiencies, or higher folate requirements.