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Signs of folate deficiency anemia most of the time are subtle. [4] Anemia (macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia) can be a sign of advanced folate deficiency in adults. [1] Folate deficiency anemia may result in feeling tired, weakness, changes to the color of the skin or hair, open sores on the mouth, shortness of breath, palpitations, lightheadedness, cold hands and feet, headaches, easy bleeding ...
Megaloblastic anemia, the most common cause of macrocytic anemia, is due to a deficiency of either vitamin B 12, folic acid, or both. [81] Deficiency in folate or vitamin B 12 can be due either to inadequate intake or insufficient absorption. Folate deficiency normally does not produce neurological symptoms, while B 12 deficiency does.
Folate in the form of folic acid is used to treat anemia caused by folate deficiency. [3] Folic acid is also used as a supplement by women during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the baby. [3] [10] NTDs include anencephaly and spina bifida, among other defects.
There is risk that folic acid administered to those with untreated B 12 deficiency may mask anemia without solving the issue at hand in which, if left untreated, can cause lasting serious side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. [154]
Hypotheses have been offered to address the failure of homocysteine-lowering therapies to reduce cardiovascular events. When folic acid is given as a supplement, it may increase the build-up of arterial plaque. A second hypothesis involves the methylation of genes in vascular cells by folic acid and vitamin B 12, which may also accelerate ...
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency is the most common genetic cause of elevated serum levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia). It is caused by genetic defects in MTHFR, which is an important enzyme in the methyl cycle. [1] Common variants of MTHFR deficiency are asymptomatic and have only minor effects on disease risk. [2]
Folic acid metabolism and 5-MTHF transport across the choroid plexus epithelium in the brain. Red arrows and red crosses indicate the alternative pathway induced by FRα deficiency. Blue arrows indicate effects of folinic acid treatment.
Both high-folate diets and supplemental folic acid may help reduce the toxic side-effects of low-dose methotrexate without decreasing its effectiveness. [8] [9] Anyone taking low-dose methotrexate for the health problems listed above should consult with a physician about the need for a folic acid supplement.