Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are both B vitamins. They're both water soluble, and they both are involved in red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. A deficiency of either one can result in a condition called megaloblastic anemia. But these two nutrients have a number of crucial differences as well.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is the most structurally complex of all the vitamin molecules. It contains within it a cobalt ion, and is sometimes referred to as cobalamin. In addition to red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis, vitamin B-12 assists in the synthesis of DNA and helps maintain the health of the nervous system.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is the synthetic version of vitamin B-9. In its natural form it is referred to as folate and is found in green leafy vegetables. Aside from aiding in the formation of red blood cells, folate is crucial to chemical reactions throughout the body involved in DNA synthesis and amino acid metabolism.
Deficiencies
B-12 deficiencies are rare in persons who eat animal products such as meat, fish, chicken, eggs and dairy products. B-12 is not found in plant foods, and those on a strict vegan diet must fulfill their daily intake through supplements or fortified foods, or risk serious and possibly permanent effects such as permanent nerve damage. Most B-12 deficiencies result from digestive disorders that prevent adequate absorption of the nutrient.
Unlike B-12 deficiencies, most folate deficiencies are dietary in origin, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Folate deficiency can be associated with alcoholism. Pregnancy and cancer, two conditions involving rapid cell growth, can deplete folate and lead to deficiency as well.
Megaloblastic Anemia
Both folate and B-12 deficiency can result in megaloblastic anemia, a condition wherein your bone marrow produces large, immature red blood cells that don't contain enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout your body. Megaloblastic anemia can leave you feeling exhausted and drained of energy.
If you have megaloblastic anemia, it is crucial to determine whether B-12 or folic acid is deficient in your diet. If you have a B-12 deficiency that is mistakenly treated with folic acid, your megaloblastic anemia may be resolved, but another problem related to B-12 deficiency, nerve damage, will continue. This nerve damage can be permanent if not corrected in time. Consult your doctor if you think you may have a deficiency of folate or B-12.
Member Comments