Why Is Folic Acid Important For Anemia?

If you are not getting enough folic acid in your diet, you are at risk for anemia. Anemia is a condition that results when red blood cells are not formed properly and do not function at an optimal level. Deficiencies in folic acid can cause delayed growth, fatigue, peptic ulcers, mouth sores, cold intolerance, premature birth and neural tube defects in newborns.

Folic Acid and Folate

Folic acid and folate are both water-soluble B-vitamins. Folic acid refers to the synthetic form of folate available as a supplement, while folate is naturally occurring in foods -- but the terms are used interchangeably. Food sources of folate include fortified breakfast cereals, enriched breads and rice, green leafy vegetables, and fruit. The body absorbs 100 percent of folic acid, but only two-thirds of folate from food. Therefore, the Institutes of Medicine uses units called dietary folate equivalents, or DFE, to determine the recommended daily allowance, or RDA, of folate. The RDA for males and females 19 years of age and older is 400 micrograms.

Anemia Increases Disease Risk

Folate-deficiency anemia has been linked to increases in cardiovascular disease and stroke. Supplementation with folic acid can prevent recurrent stroke and heart attack and play a role in reducing mortality from cardiovascular disease. When folate levels are low or deficient, homocysteine levels rise; homocysteine is an amino acid that is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. In a study published in the "Archives of Medical Research," a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid supplements reduced homocysteine levels.

Mental and emotional states may also be compromised with low folate levels. Low folate status has been linked to depression in older adults.

Pathophysiology of Anemia

Folic acid is important in correcting and preventing folate-deficiency anemia. Folic acid is incorporated into red blood cells when they are produced and is needed to form mature red blood cells. When folate status is low, megaloblastic anemia results. Megaloblastic anemia is characterized by fewer, larger red blood cells that are immature.

Medication and Pregnancy Increase Folate Needs

An adequate diet of fruits, vegetables and enriched grains can prevent folate-deficiency anemia in most cases. If you pregnant or are on certain medications, called folate-antagonists, your need for folic acid increases and supplementation is required. Methotrexate, which is used to treat autoimmune conditions and cancer, decreases the ability to use folate. Also, anti-seizure medications, such as dilantin and phenytoin, increase needs for folic acid. A supplemental form will likely be recommended by your doctor to decrease your risk of anemia.