Are you always tired? Are you pale? It could be folic acid deficiency anemia!

Do you always feel tired and lifeless? Do you feel tired even after a little bit of work? Maybe your skin is pale? Although we often think of these as normal things, it could be due to a lack of blood, that is, anemia . There can be many causes of anemia . Today, we will talk about a specific cause that affects many people, that is, folic acid deficiency .

Simply put, what is anemia and folic acid?

Simply put, every cell in our body needs oxygen to survive. This oxygen is carried throughout the body by red blood cells. The protein in red blood cells called hemoglobin is what holds this oxygen. So, if you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen, we call that condition anemia, or low blood count.

Folic acid is a vitamin that is essential for our bodies to make healthy red blood cells. It is also known as vitamin B9. When we get it naturally from food, it is called folate. So, if the body does not get enough folic acid, it cannot make healthy red blood cells and anemia occurs.

Why do we get this folic acid deficiency?

Okay, now let's see what could be causing this situation. There could be several reasons for this.

• Not eating enough nutritious food: This is the most common cause. This condition can occur if you don't have enough folic acid-rich foods in your diet. Folic acid is especially abundant in dark green leafy vegetables, legumes like beans and peas, citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines, and grains like brown rice .
• Alcohol use : If you drink alcohol frequently and excessively, over time your intestines' ability to absorb folic acid will decrease.
• Digestive system diseases: If your small intestine is not working properly, it can be difficult for the body to absorb the amount of folic acid it needs. For example, this risk is higher in people with diseases such as celiac disease or cancer.
• Pregnancy : The growing baby in the womb requires a large amount of folic acid. This requirement is met by the mother's body. Therefore, a pregnant mother is more likely to develop folic acid deficiency.
• Certain medications: Some medications you take can also prevent your body from absorbing folic acid. For example, medications like Methotrexate , Phenytoin, and Sulfasalazine can affect this.
• Hereditary causes: Very rarely, problems with folic acid absorption can be passed down from generation to generation. It is essential to treat a baby with this congenital problem immediately to prevent long-term problems.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

In folic acid deficiency, symptoms common to any anemia can be seen, as well as symptoms specific to this condition. Let's break them down in this way for easier understanding.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you tell your doctor about these symptoms, he or she will examine you. To confirm this, they will order blood tests. In particular, a complete blood count (CBC) test can give a good idea of ​​the number and appearance of your red blood cells.

What are you doing as treatment?

The best way to prevent and treat this condition is to eat a nutritious diet . As mentioned earlier, include foods rich in folic acid (leafy greens, nuts, fruits) in your diet.

Also, your doctor will often prescribe a folic acid supplement for you to take daily. You may be able to stop taking this supplement once your folic acid levels return to normal. However, some people may need to take it for the rest of their lives. This is a decision that only your doctor can make.

Can this cause complications?

In most cases, this condition is easily treated, so serious consequences are rare. However, if folic acid deficiency is left untreated for a long time, it can increase the risk of some types of cancer and heart disease. It can also affect fertility. However, the condition usually returns to normal after treatment.

Special risks during pregnancy

Folic acid is extremely important during pregnancy. Not getting enough of it can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.

• Risk to the mother: There is a risk of placental abruption, which can cause excessive bleeding and pain, and can even be life-threatening to the baby.
• Risks to the baby: The baby may be born with low birth weight, premature birth, etc. Most importantly , the baby is at increased risk of developing a neurological disorder called spina bifida . This can cause permanent damage to the baby's spine and nerves.

When should I see a doctor?

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible . If left untreated, some symptoms can worsen and anemia can cause permanent damage to your body. Therefore, it is wise to see your doctor as soon as possible, rather than dismissing these changes as 'just a fluke'.