Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays a significant role in cell division and in producing DNA. It is also responsible for maintaining many of the systems of the body, such as the production of red cells, hormones and antibodies, and helps in building muscles and maintaining the nervous system.
Folic acid deficiency can wreak havoc on the body's systems from fetal stage to advanced ages.
Facts
Approximately 2,500 babies are born with a neural tube defect (NTD) in the U.S. each year, and about half of these are caused by the mothers' inadequate folic acid intake.
NTDs are disorders of the development of the brain and spinal cord. The most common is spina bifida, or opening of the spine, and the most serious is anencephaly, which is failure of the brain to develop.
Up to 70 percent of NTDs could be prevented if women consumed 400 micrograms of folic acid each day for at least a month before conception and through the first trimester. (Note: You should limit your folic acid intake to less than 1 mg per day unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.)
Symptoms
In addition to the serious impact of folic acid deficiency to the fetus during its development, folic acid deficiency also can result in anemia, which can lead to weakness, fatigue, palpitations, diarrhea, pallor, forgetfulness and nausea.
Other symptoms of folic acid deficiency include headache, irritability, shortness of breath, heart failure, pain and a lack of oxygen to the tissue.
Folic Acid Food Fortification Program (FAFFP)
Because of the seriousness of folic acid deficiency, Canada and the United States mandated the Folic Acid Food Fortification Program in November 1998. This program requires that folic acid be added to foods such as flour, bread, rice, noodles, macaroni and other grain products.
Effects of the FAFFP
The FAFFP seems to have been effective in reducing the symptoms of folic acid deficiency. According to an article written by Angela Gentili, MD, Muhammad Vohra, MD, Vij Subir, MD and David Chen B.A. entitled "Folic Acid Deficiency," published in Medscape on Sept. 19, 2007, "The prevalence of folic acid deficiency has decreased since U.S. and Canada introduced a mandated folic acid food fortification program in November 1998. People with excessive alcohol intake and malnutrition are still at high risk for folic acid deficiency,"
Prevention/Solution
To prevent folic acid deficiency, you should include leafy, dark green vegetables, berries, citrus fruits or fortified breakfast cereals in your daily diet or take a vitamin supplement that contains folic acid.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of folic acid deficiency, consult your physician and also possibly a dietitian.
Tags: acid deficiency, folic acid deficiency, folic acid, folic acid, acid deficiency