• Folate deficiency is common. Because the body stores only a small amount of folate, a diet lacking in folate leads to a deficiency within a few months.

    Not eating enough raw leafy vegetables and citrus fruits can cause folate deficiency.
    Anemia can develop, causing fatigue, paleness, irritability, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
    A severe deficiency may result in a red and sore tongue, diarrhea, a reduced sense of taste, depression, confusion, and dementia.
    If a pregnant woman has folate deficiency, the risk of having an infant with a birth defect of the spinal cord or brain is increased.
    The diagnosis is based on blood tests.
    Folate supplements taken by mouth usually correct the deficiency.

    Folate is a B vitamin. Along with vitamin B12, folate is necessary for the formation of normal red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which is the genetic material of cells. Folate is also necessary for normal development of a fetus’s nervous system.
    Good sources of folate include raw green leafy vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, fruits (especially citrus), liver, other organ meats, dried yeast, and enriched breads, pastas, and cereals. Extensive cooking destroys 50 to 95% of the folate in food.
    In the United States and Canada, folate is added to enrich foods made from grains. Folate in supplements or in enriched foods is easier for the body to absorb than the folate that occurs naturally in food.
    Women who are pregnant or who could become pregnant should take folate supplements to reduce the risk of having an infant with a birth defect, mainly neural tube defects. Women who have had a baby with a neural tube defect are often prescribed higher doses of folate.
    Women who are taking both oral contraceptives and antiseizure drugs may need to take folate supplements. Antiseizure drugs can make oral contraceptives less effective. Folate supplements can help maintain the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
    Folate supplements do not protect against coronary artery disease or stroke. There is no evidence that folate supplements reduce or increase the risk of various cancers. Folate supplements do not seem to improve cognitive function in older adults.
    Folate is generally not toxic.


    Folate deficiency meaning & definition 1 of Folate deficiency.

Similar Words
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 2
  • 4
  • 2
  • 6
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 4

What is Define Dictionary Meaning?

Define Dictionary Meaning is an easy to use platform where anyone can create and share short informal definition of any word.
Best thing is, its free and you can even contribute without creating an account.



This page shows you usage and meanings of Folate deficiency around the world.