Folate Deficiency

Folate Deficiency

Folate, more commonly known as folic acid, is an important body supplement which aids in the production of red blood cells. Prolonged folate deficiency can result in anaemia. Early signs of folate deficiency are weight loss, soreness of the tongue, headaches and heart palpitations. Inadequate intake of foods with folate like lettuce, asparagus, collard greens, and broccoli is the main cause of folate deficiency. There can also be difficulty in the absorption of folate, especially when the body's metabolism is impaired. An increased requirement for folate, as in during pregnancy, can also lead to folate deficiency.

Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking:

Folic Acid ( 4) :

Recommendation: Strongly in favor ( studies show that folate acid  will be able to help prevent folate deficiency.)

Grade of Evidence: Moderate level of evidence

* www.gradeworkinggroup.org

Summary Reference

1. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec01/ch004/ch004c.html?qt=folate%20deficiency&alt=sh#sec01-ch004-ch004c-261

2. http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp

3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17972439?dopt=Abstract

 4. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000354.htm

Public Discussion