1. Take Folic Acid Supplements
When first trying to manage a folate deficiency, doctors typically recommend that those suffering from anemia take a folic acid supplement. A typical supplement contains about 1 mg. of folic acid and can be taken daily. Improvements in anemic conditions are typically displayed within a week, after which time you may be able to maintain your improved folic acid level just by eating foods high in folic acid. In addition to dedicated folic acid supplements, you'll find a number of over-the-counter vitamins that include some portion of the recommended daily value of folate.
2. Eat Foods Rich in Folic Acid
It's easy to get more than enough folic acid through diet alone. The best source of folic acid in vegetables includes such leafy greens as spinach and broccoli. In addition, asparagus and peas have high concentrations of folic acid. The best source of folate from animals is liver, which has concentrations higher than what would be found in leafy greens. Breakfast cereals that have been fortified typically contain the highest percentage of the recommended daily allowance of folate of any food.
3. Talk to Your Doctor About Preexisting Conditions
Sometimes folate deficiencies are the result of taking medications used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, various cancers or epilepsy. Even if you don't have one of these conditions, your prescription medication may be playing a part in your folate deficiency. Talk to your doctor to determine if there are alternative medications that you could take, and ask if you can safely take a folic acid supplement while still taking your prescription medication. Some people who take prescription medications may be dependent on folic acid supplements for life. Finally, anyone suffering from anemia should receive regular blood tests to determine when the condition has been reversed.
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