A folate deficiency is a lack of vitamin B9 (folate).
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What Is Folate?
Folate vs. Folic Acid
Folate is closelyrelated to folic acid.
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Folic acid is the man-made version of folate that is added to foods or supplements.
It is absorbed more efficiently than folate.
Folic acid is especially important during pregnancy as it can help protect babies from neural tube defects.
The recommended intake for folate is 400 mcg DFE per day for adults.
DFE stands for “dietary folate equivalents” and it is the amount indicated on nutrition labels.
So, 240 mcg of folic acid and 400 mcg of folate are both equal to 400 mcg DFE.
But both folate deficiency and folate deficiency anemia can occur.
The early signs of a folate deficiency can be subtle, and its common for it to go undiagnosed.
This means its absorbed and transported in water.
Unlike other types of water-soluble vitamins, a small amount of folate can be stored in the liver.
A deficiency could develop in weeks to months on a diet that doesn’t provide folate.
Folate is found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and some types of seafood.
For example, some canning methods may reduce the folate found in natural sources like spinach or chickpeas.
But sometimes too much of certain nutrients can be taken out and cause a deficiency.
People undergoing dialysis treatments should be monitored for deficiencies and take additional vitamins as needed.
Genetics
Before the body uses folate, it converts folate into an active form called methylfolate.
Some genetic mutations, like the MTHFR gene, can interfere with converting folic acid into its active form.
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Research shows that folate deficiencies are common among people withalcohol use disorder.
Both deficiencies can result in a megaloblastic anemia.
Treatment
Treatment for a folate deficiency includes increasing intake of folate or folic acid.
People without theMTHFR gene mutationcan meet their needs with either folate or folic acid in supplements or foods.
But supplements are also available.
Folic acid is found in prenatal vitamins and in multivitamins.
You might also find a B-complex supplement containing several of the B vitamins or a folate supplement.
Generally, supplements will contain folic acid to help you meet your daily recommended intake of folate.
Summary
Folate deficiency develops when there isnt enough vitamin B9 in the body.
The body uses folate to repair and replicate DNA and create red blood cells.
The deficiency can be treated by increasing folate or folic acid intake through supplements and foods.
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