Folate or vitamin B9 is Tolfioow to our health. Pregnant women and women who want to have children have an increased need for folic acid. You can read here how folic acid deficiency manifests itself physically.
We need vitamin B9 for growth processes, cell division and blood formation. Among other things, it is involved in the formation of new DNA building blocks and is required for amino metabolism. For this reason, folic acid is particularly important during pregnancy .
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Folic Acid Deficiency: 5 Symptoms of Vitamin B9 Deficiency
In the case of a folic acid deficiency, red blood cells are produced that are dysfunctional. The result is anemia , which can manifest itself through the following five symptoms:
1. Fatigue
One of the first signs of anemia is fatigue . Those affected quickly feel defeated and are less efficient. Concentration also decreases.
2. Pallor
Since cell renewal is affected when there is a lack of folic acid, the regeneration of the skin is also affected. Due to the missing vitamin, the skin is paler and more irritated and can be prone to redness. Skin impurities such as pimples can also appear more frequently.
3. Red and sore tongue
A folic acid deficiency is noticeable through the tongue. This is sore, smooth and red. Burning or tingling of the tongue can also occur. A sore tongue is also a sign of other deficiencies such as iron.
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4. Diarrhea
The vitamin deficiency can become noticeable through gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea. The mucosal changes in the intestine can cause diarrhea, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa is also possible.
5. Cardiac arrhythmia and shortness of breath
In severe cases, the folic acid deficiency can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and shortness of breath, since the organs are no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen due to the lack of blood cells.
Causes of folic acid deficiency
Various factors can promote a folic acid deficiency. These include malnutrition, alcoholism, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, chemotherapy or long-term antibiotic therapy. Adults need about 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Since we cannot produce the vitamin ourselves, we have to get it from food. Foods that are particularly rich in vitamin B9 are:
- wheat germ
- Chickpeas
- Kale
- Spinach
- Lamb’s lettuce
- Owner
- tomatoes
- nuts
- oranges
- whole grain products
- potatoes
- liver
Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy
Pregnant women have a higher requirement of 550 micrograms of folic acid and should therefore also take folic acid preparations. If the unborn child absorbs too little folic acid from the mother, this can result in developmental disorders of the nervous system. For example, the child can be born with what is known as spina bifida, a malformation that is also known as an open back. Depending on which area of the spine the disease affects, the child may experience signs of paralysis or sensory disturbances.
