Folic acid is one of the B-complex vitamins. It also goes by the name of folate or pteroylglutamic acid. This water-soluble vitamin plays an important role in supporting healthy tissues and bones. Adequate amounts of folic acid are necessary for proper fetal growth and development. A folic acid deficiency can cause symptoms that range from mild to serious.
Folic Acid
Along with vitamins C and B-12, folic acid helps your body create cells, new proteins, form red blood cells and produce DNA. A healthy, balanced diet usually provides adequate levels of folic acid for most people, although pregnant women and women planning to conceive might need additional folic acid in the form of supplements. Foods that naturally contain folic acid include poultry, pork, shellfish, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, whole grains, beans and legumes. Adults require 400 mcg of folic acid per day.
Fetal Development
If you are pregnant, a folic acid deficiency can cause spina bifida in your developing baby. Folic acid is necessary for the early growth of bone tissues. Spina bifida occurs when the bones of the spine fail to close completely, causing the spinal cord and spinal column to form incorrectly. Spina bifida is a birth defect that can cause lifelong disabilities. A folic acid deficiency during pregnancy might also increase the risk of anencephaly in your baby. This condition occurs when a large part of the brain and skull fail to develop.
Anemia
The hollow areas within your long bones contain bone marrow, which is responsible for creating new red blood cells, a process that relies on folic acid. Your body relies on healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your tissues and cells. A deficiency of folic acid can cause the formation of abnormally large blood cells. Megaloblastic anemia is the term for this condition. This type of anemia may cause a variety of symptoms that include headache, fatigue and sore mouth. Resolving megaloblastic anemia may take up to two months of treatment.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor before taking folic acid or any other nutritional supplement to treat an existing health condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women begin consuming adequate amounts of folic acid before attempting to conceive to avoid the aforementioned birth defects. The changes in fetal development that can lead to spina bifida might occur before you realize you are pregnant. Your body tends to dispose of excess levels of folic acid, making an overdose of this vitamin unlikely.
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