Alcoholism ravages the body and mind. If you are undergoing treatment for alcoholism, your doctor may advise you to get more folic acid. Alcoholics often don't eat well, and a deficiency in folic acid can compound health problems and affect your recovery. You can reverse many of the effects of folic acid deficiency by increasing your intake of this vitamin.
Alcoholism and Vitamin Deficiencies
If you're an alcoholic in the beginning stages of recovery, it's likely that you have a history of not eating well and neglecting your health. Alcoholism can also interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients from the foods that you do eat. Folic acid, also known as folate or B-9, is a vitamin that is frequently deficient in alcoholics, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is the term used for the synthetic form of vitamin B-9. In its natural form it is known as folate, a derivative of the Latin word folium, which means leaf. Folate is frequently found in leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach. Folate supports the production of red blood cells, DNA and RNA. It is especially important during periods of growth and has a profound effect on the production and maintenance of new cells.
Folic Acid Deficiency
Alcoholism can cause folic acid deficiency by interfering with the absorption of this nutrient and by causing you to have unhealthy eating habits. When folic acid levels become deficient for an extended time, you may experience megaloblastic anemia as a result of your inability to adequately produce red blood cells. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations and behavioral disorders can arise from a folic acid deficiency. Folic acid deficiency can also increase your risk of heart disease.
Treatment
Your doctor may advise you to take folic acid to help reverse the malnutrition that often accompanies alcoholism. Most adults require 400 mcg of folic acid daily to maintain health. Folic acid is especially important in preventing neural tube defects in children. Pregnant women require 600 mcg of folic acid daily, and women who breastfeed their babies should consume 500 mcg per day.
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