vitamins deficiency symptoms

Vitamin B9 or Folic acid deficiency

Vitamin B9 also is known as folate when it occurs in foods or as folic acid when present in supplements or added to foods.

Vitamin B9 plays important role in cell growth, division, amino acid metabolism, enzyme reactions, and production of RNA, DNA, and red blood cells; prevents birth defects and heart disease.

Folate may also play a role in cancer and birth defects prevention; used for heart health (lowers homocysteine).

Folic acid deficiency symptoms

Shortage of folic acid is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies, especially among women.

Folic acid deficiency affects the growth and repair of your body's tissues. The tissues that have fastest rate of cell replacement are the first ones to be affected. Blood and digestive tract are where the signs of deficiency will most likely first appear. People deficient in folic acid have some of these symptoms:

  • Anemia
  • Nausea and loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Malnutrition from poor nutrient absorption
  • Weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Sore tongue
  • Headaches
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Heart palpitations

At risk of folate deficiencies are pregnant and breastfeeding women; alcoholics; smokers; people over age 65.

Mild deficiency is likely for people who eat only institutional food. For example, nursing home residents. That's because the folic acid in food is easily destroyed by processing, overcooking, or reheating.

Natural sources of Vitamin B9 (folate)

Dark-green leafy vegetables, liver, orange juice, beans, avocados, beets. Other sources include fruit and enriched grains.

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Filed Under Folic Acid (B9), Vitamin B, Vitamins benefit, Vitamins deficiency and diseases 

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One Response to “Vitamin B9 or Folic acid deficiency”

  1. » Key issue for colon health Top supplements for health benefits on February 26th, 2010 8:56 am

    [...] Vitamin B9 or Folic acid [...]

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