Folate is a B vitamin that your body needs to work properly. Folate is especially important for people who are pregnant. Folate deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t get enough folate. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, mouth sores and neurological issues. Folate deficiency can be prevented by eating a diet rich in foods that contain folate.
What is folate deficiency?
Folate deficiency is when your blood lacks the amount of vitamin B9 (folate) it needs to function properly. Folate deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications.
What is folate?
Folate is a B vitamin found naturally in many of the foods you eat. These foods include leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, beans, peas, seafood, eggs, dairy, meat, poultry and grains. Your body needs folate to make new red blood cells and DNA, the genetic material in your cells. Folate is especially important for people who are pregnant. Folate helps in the growth and development of the fetus and can help prevent birth defects.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a manmade (synthetic) form of folate. Your body can’t store large amounts of natural folate. But your body can easily absorb folic acid. As a result, it’s added to some of the foods you eat. Grains such as rice, bread, pasta and some cereals are enriched (fortified) with folic acid. Folic acid is also available as a dietary supplement.
What complications can occur due to folate deficiency?
When you don’t get enough folate, several complications can occur.
Folate deficiency during pregnancy
Folate deficiency during pregnancy can cause severe complications. Folate is important for the growth of the fetus's brain and spinal cord. Folate deficiency can cause severe birth defects called neural tube defects. Neural tube defects include spina bifida and anencephaly.
Folate deficiency can also increase your chances of placental abruption, a condition where your placenta separates from your uterus. In addition, your baby may be premature (preterm birth) and/or have a low birth weight. Studies have also shown low folate during pregnancy could lead to the development of autism in your child.
