Low body levels of folic acid, also known as vitamin B-9 or dietary folate, can create debilitating health symptoms, including a change in heart rate. Folic acid nutrition supports your cardiovascular system by helping to form red blood cells, which carry oxygen to body cells through your blood vessels. When you don’t take in enough of this B vitamin -- or when it is poorly absorbed or inhibited by medications – you may develop anemia. Seek a doctor’s advice in diagnosing and treating this blood disorder.
Folic Acid and Anemia
A significant folic acid shortage that produces abnormal heart rhythms and other symptoms builds over time. Systematic alcohol abuse decreases vitamin absorption. A diet without enough folic acid doesn’t provide enough of the raw materials needed in blood cell production. Cancer advancement and chemotherapy can both hamper the body’s normal use of folic acid. Additionally, folic acid deficiency–anemia can build during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, when plasma ratios in the blood overtake red blood cell production.
Signs of Anemia
Low vitamin intake or suppression of folic acid’s normal function in the body results in fewer red blood cells and more work for you heart, causing complications and related health symptoms. You might notice your pulse become weaker and more rapid as your heart tries to pump more blood with less oxygen for energy conversion. This can also prompt dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath and leg cramps. Your degree of folic acid deficiency and anemia may produce symptoms from severe to moderate to none.
Diagnosing Vitamin Deficiency
Because similar types of anemia can create an irregular heartbeat and other symptoms, your doctor will want to isolate the cause. A shortage of any dietary element needed in red blood cell formation -- including protein, vitamins B-2, B-6, B-9, B-12, C, iron and copper -- may reduce your blood count and cause anemia. Medications you are taking, including methotrexate for cancer, can interfere with folic acid’s contribution in making red blood cells. A complete medical history and a blood test will aid in diagnosis.
Increasing Folic Acid Intake
Barring other health considerations, correcting the right nutrient deficiency will restore your blood count and alleviate heart rate and related symptoms. Eating folate-rich foods in every food group, such as spinach, bananas, beef liver, fortified breakfast cereal and yogurt, will restore dietary balance. Ask your doctor before taking a folic acid vitamin supplement.
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