Bleeding Disorders & Folic Acid

Blood contains substances that help it to clot, thus stopping excess bleeding. Individuals with bleeding disorders lack these substances, which can be dangerous and lead to medical problems. There are treatments for these conditions, but some individuals may want to consider taking folic acid as a supplement to help prevent anemia. Before taking folic acid with a bleeding disorder, consult your doctor about whether this is safe for you.

Bleeding Disorders

According to the National Hemophilia Foundation, the term "bleeding disorders" encompasses several types of medical conditions in which an individual has problems with blood clotting and continuous bleeding. Bleeding disorders can be mild to severe, and include symptoms like excessive bruising or bleeding, nose bleeds and abnormal menstrual bleeding. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including cancer, problems with bone marrow, drugs like aspirin or heparin, liver disease and von Willebrand's disease, a hereditary bleeding disorder. There is no cure for bleeding disorders, but treatments are available. Treatment may include birth control pills, a hormone called desmopressin acetate, antifibrinolytic drugs and clotting factor concentrates, explains WomensHealth.gov. These substances aid in blood clotting and help slow down excessive bleeding.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is the synthetic form of the naturally occurring B vitamin called folate. It helps produce new cells, and aids in making both DNA and RNA. Humans need folic acid to make red blood cells and prevent anemia, explains the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Folic acid is especially important during early pregnancy, when it helps promote healthy and normal development of the neural tube of the fetus. Folic acid is found in fortified cereals, spinach, broccoli, peanuts, beef liver and bananas; it can also be taken as a supplement.

Folic Acid and Bleeding

Folic acid helps metabolize the amino acid called homocysteine. Excess homocysteine in the blood can cause blood to clot easily, increasing the risk of a dangerous blood vessel blockage. An adequate intake of folic acid can help bring homocysteine levels to a healthy level. Taking folic acid regularly can help the body utilize iron properly, which is important with a bleeding disorder to help prevent iron deficiency anemia from loss of blood. If you have a bleeding disorder, talk with your hematologist about whether folic acid supplementation is safe and appropriate for you.

Considerations

Folic acid is not a treatment for bleeding disorders, nor is it a replacement for any medications your doctor may have prescribed. Before using folic acid supplements, ask your doctor about an appropriate dose for your needs. Tell her about any other supplements and medications you are taking, as folic acid may interact with other drugs and cause adverse effects.

Bleeding Disorders & Folic Acid