Folic acid may be useful as an appetite enhancer; however, medical experts in the United States are a long ways from endorsing this B vitamin for this purpose. It is important to get enough folic acid to prevent anemia and for important processes in your body like forming new cells. Consult your doctor before using folic acid supplements.
Significance
Folic acid is commonly used by Iranian pediatricians as an appetite-enhancing drug for low-weight children who have poor appetites, according to an October 2007 “Pediatrics International” study. This vitamin does appear to improve appetite among preschool-age children, the study concludes; however, more research is needed to determine if supplemental folic acid should be recommended as part of the treatment plan for low-weight, poor-appetite children, notes lead study author N. Hatamizadeh.
Deficiency and Appetite
One of the many possible symptoms of folic acid deficiency is appetite loss. Appetite and weight loss also are possible symptoms of anemia. Folic acid deficiency also may slow growth rate in children and lead to birth defects when pregnant women are deficient. Weight loss, headaches, irritability, digestive problems like diarrhea, weakness, a sore tongue, forgetfulness and behavior disorders also are possible symptoms. Being deficient in this vitamin also raises heart attack risk.
Risk Factors
Several factors raise risk for appetite loss due to folic acid deficiency. In the United States, deficiency is most common among fad dieters, alcoholics, pregnant women, older adults and women taking oral contraceptives. You’re also at risk for deficiency if you have liver disease, a malabsorption problem or anemia or are on kidney dialysis. Some medications also interfere with folic acid utilization in your body including anti-convulsants, motorman, sulfasalazine, triamterene, barbiturates and methotrexate.
Considerations
If you want to take folic acid to stimulate your appetite, consult a doctor first. Do not exceed 1,000 micrograms daily as an adult, recommends the U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements, or you may trigger symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency such as permanent nerve damage. Consult a doctor for dosages for children. Actual toxicity risk from supplemental folic acid is low, but high levels of folic acid may trigger seizures if you take anti-convulsant medication. Gaining folic acid from food is not associated with health risks, notes the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Member Comments