what is vitamin B9 causes of folic acid deficiency symptoms of folic acid india4indians.com

What is Folic acid (Vitamin B9) | Causes of Vitamin B9 Deficiency | What are the Symptoms of Folic acid deficiency | Side effects of Folic acid | Treatment of Folic acid deficiency

Folic acid acts together with vitamin B12 in reactions that are critical to the process of normal cell division and are required for synthesis of RNA and DNA, the architects of every body cell and body function. At least six active folic acid derivatives are used in this process, which is particularly important in the areas bone marrow tissue where blood cells are manufactured.

Basically, folic acid is reduced to tetrahydrofolic acid and then picks up a methyl group which, in turn, participates in complex enzymatic reactions that form the nucleic acids needed to make DNA and RNA.

For cells lo divide, they need to replicate DNA and RNA and thus need ample folate. The most rapidly dividing cells in the body are the bone marrow cells, which form red blood cells. Thus folate deficiency leads to anemia; it is especially problematic in children, in whom normal growth can be slowed by insufficient folale.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VITAMIN B9 (FOLIC ACID) DEFICIENCY ?

Folate deficiency causes the bone marrow to become less efficient in making new blood cells and produces type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. Because fetuses grow so rapidly, a lack of folate early in pregnancy can result in birth defects. Studies have shown that people eating a folate-deficient diet take between three and five months to show signs of deficiency; as is the case with other water-soluble vitamins, the body maintains limited stores of folate to provide a reserve during periods of low intake. Deficiency of folic acid, may result in fatigue, acne, a sore tongue, cracking at the corners of mouth It also causes It also causes arrested growth, anaemia, leucopenia and agranulocytosis Diarrhea.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY?

People with folate deficiency experience many of the same symptoms as those with other forms of anemia: irritability, weakness, lack of energy, sleeping difficulties, and loss of facial color. Nerve damage does not develop as it does in B12 deficiency.

Anybody on medication for epilepsy should be careful with large amounts of folic acid, since it can change the functioning of such drugs.

A deficiency of folic acid on an unborn baby may increase the risk of the baby being born with spinal bifida and other serious defects of the nervous system.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF VITMAIN B9 (FOLIC ACID) INTAKE?

High doses of Vitamin B9 (more than 15-mg) may cause stomach, sleep, and skin disorders, and can cause seizures in persons with convulsive disorders. Long-term deficiency may result in anemia and later in osteoporosis, as well as cancer of the bowel and cervix. Too much folic acid may mask a deficiency. Regular high intake of folic acid may cause digestive upset, energy loss and insomnia.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR FOLIC ACID (VITAMIN B9) DEFICIENCY?

Folic Acid Deficiency Treatment

* Identify the reason for the lack of deficiency of folic acid in your body and work accordingly. In order to increase folic acid, you can eat foods high in folic acid like leafy, green vegetables (spinach and fenugreek). Also, increase the intake of salmon, soybean and orange. Consumption of fresh and dried beans also increases the content of folic acid. Turnip greens, lettuces, asparagus and sunflower seeds are rich sources of folic acid. Increase the content of folic acid foods like grain products and cereals and enriched breads.

* You can also consume folic acid supplements. These supplements can be taken once or twice a day, as prescribed by the medical practitioner.