Vitamins are essential nutrients that work behind the scenes to keep the body running smoothly. The body stores some vitamins, called fat-soluble vitamins; while others must be taken in through diet or supplements, including folic acid. Some gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can alter your digestion of vitamins. Following a vitamin-rich diet, knowing your recommended daily allowance and managing gastrointestinal symptoms can help to reduce vitamin deficiency.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a type of gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Upon physical examination, persons with IBS often have normal bowel appearance, making a cause and diagnosis of IBS difficult. Symptoms of pain and diarrhea may begin after a triggering event; such as a stressful situation, certain medications or even eating a meal. Prolonged IBS may result in weight changes, depression or vitamin deficiency.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is also called vitamin B-9, which is one of the water-soluble vitamins. Folic acid affects your brain and mental health; it works with other vitamins, such as vitamin B-6 or B-12 to regulate amino acids and control heart disease; and it assists with the formation of new red blood cells. Among pregnant women, folic acid helps to prevent birth defects in the fetus; particularly those of the brain and spinal cord.
Malabsorption
When diarrhea occurs, the body excretes water and nutrients rather than absorbing them. This can lead to dehydration and in some situations, vitamin deficiency because the body does not have a chance to absorb nutrients before excretion. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a mild form of folic acid deficiency can occur due to diarrhea and vitamin loss associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Affects
In addition to diarrhea or bowel changes associated with IBS, symptoms of folic acid deficiency consist of inflammation of the tongue and gums, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, mental confusion and irritability. Because folic acid works to help create red blood cells, a deficiency can cause anemia, which means too few red blood cells. These types of cells are important for the transport of oxygen molecules through circulation to the body's tissues.
Significance
The recommended daily amount of folic acid for adults over the age of 19 is 400 micrograms. You can get folic acid through many foods in your diet, including beans and peas, dark, leafy vegetables like spinach or mustard greens, whole grains, wheat germ or orange juice. See your doctor if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and you have frequent diarrhea to discuss the need for folic acid supplements to avoid deficiency.
