Folate is one of several B vitamins that are necessary for the growth and maintenance of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is added to fortified foods and supplements and is used to correct a folate deficiency. The medical treatment of alcohol abuse often includes supplementation with folic acid.
How Alcohol Abuse Causes a Deficiency
Alcohol abuse causes a folate deficiency by interfering with how the body processes this vitamin. Alcohol abuse causes a folate deficiency in two ways -- alcohol increases the amount of this vitamin excreted by the kidneys in urine and also decreases the ability for the body to absorb folic acid, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Supplementation with folic acid can correct this deficiency.
Signs and Symptoms of Folate Deficiency
Chronic alcohol abuse, or alcoholism, is one of the principle causes of nutritional deficiencies, including folate, in the United States, according to Medline Plus. The symptoms of a folate deficiency include headaches and heart palpitations; digestive system problems, such as weight loss, loss of appetite and diarrhea; and mental issues such as irritability and forgetfulness. Some of these symptoms, such as headache and gastrointestinal problems, overlap with those caused by alcohol abuse, and medical tests may be required to determine their cause.
Folic Acid Dose
According to Mayo Clinic, the typical dose of supplemental folic acid used to treat folate deficiencies ranges from 250 and 1,000 mcg per day. However, for severe folate deficiencies, such as those that sometimes occur as a result of alcohol abuse, your doctor may prescribe 1,000 to 5,000 mcg per day until the deficiency is resolved. A blood sample is taken and tested in a lab to determine when folate levels have risen to normal levels after folic acid supplementation.
Where to Get Folic Acid
To correct an alcohol-induced folate deficiency with folic acid, make sure that your diet contains foods rich in folic acid. Over-the-counter folic acid supplements are widely available. Dietary sources of folic acid include beef liver, black-eyed peas, great northern peas, spinach and asparagus. Fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals, egg noodles, rice and bread are also sources of this vitamin. Check with your doctor if you suspect you may have an alcohol-induced folate deficiency.
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