subject: Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms [print this page] Folic acid deficiency symptoms include decreased appetite and/or weight loss, fatigue, forgetfulness, irritability, lack of concentration or focus, lightheadedness, paleness and weakness. There are other symptoms that are not as common. These include abdominal pain, chest pain, cracked lips, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath when you engage in physical activity and a sore tongue. When you do not get enough of this folic acid, you could also develop anemia.
The amount of folic acid, vitamin b9, you need varies with age, gender and lifestyle. Adult males over 13 years of age are recommended to get 400 micrograms of the vitamin. Women of the same age are recommended to get between 400 and 600 micrograms per day. Women are recommended to get the same range of the substance during pregnancy and 500 micrograms if they are breastfeeding. It is especially important that pregnant women get enough to help circumvent birth defects such as spina bifida.
Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin often used in conjunction with other B vitamins such as vitamin B12. There are many foods that naturally have a high content of this substance including asparagus, bananas, beans, beef liver, broccoli, kidney, lemons, lettuce, melons, mushrooms, okra, orange juice, spinach, tomato juice and yeast. Folic acid is also added to foods such as bread, cereal, cookies, crackers, flour and pasta.
In addition to foods rich in folic acid, you may take supplements if you are suffering from folic acid deficiency symptoms. You can purchase folic acid tablets online or at local stores. You should be cautious to take these supplements as directed. You should also be aware that there are possible side effects when taking folic acid including difficulty breathing, itching, redness and skin rash. If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.
