Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms in Adults

Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin and is part of the B-vitamin family. It is found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods. Folic acid is important for the proper development of the neural tube.  gofolic.org  helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. All women of childbearing age should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folate or folic acid.

Folic acid deficiency can cause a wide variety of symptoms in adults.  https://gofolic.org/folic-acid-vitamins/  can range from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss


Folic acid deficiency can lead to these symptoms because it interferes with the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When there are not enough red blood cells, the body does not get enough oxygen and this can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Folic acid deficiency can also cause birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while she has a folic acid deficiency.

Anyone can develop a folic acid deficiency, but there are certain groups that are at higher risk. These include:

• Alcoholics – Alcohol prevents the absorption of folic acid and also increases the excretion of folic acid in urine.
• Smokers – Smoking decreases the amount of folic acid in the blood.
• People with malabsorption disorders – Disorders that prevent the absorption of nutrients from food can lead to a folic acid deficiency. Examples include celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
• Older adults – As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from food. This can lead to a folic acid deficiency.

The best way to prevent a folic acid deficiency is to eat a healthy diet that includes leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods. You should also take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folate or folic acid if you are a woman of childbearing age. If you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for a folic acid deficiency, your doctor may recommend a higher dose supplement or even injections of folic acid."