7 Frequently Ignored Symptoms Of Foliate Deficiency

Jun 25, 2018

Folate deficiencies are a common problem. Our bodies expel this water-soluble B vitamin in our urine, and because we're unable to store this essential nutrient, we have to make sure to eat plenty of folate-rich foods. These include leafy greens, beans and lentils, and folate-infused breakfast cereals.

For most people with folate deficiencies, their problem is caused because they don't eat an adequate diet. For others, however, it's the result of a health condition, like Crohn's Disease.

Ahead, learn about the major signs of folate deficiency.

There are certain symptoms associated with the early stages of folate deficiency. If the condition goes untreated, it can progress into anemia.

In the early stages of folate deficiency, many people notice that their sense of taste is reduced. Formerly flavorful foods may suddenly taste bland or unpleasant.

During this period, you may also experience stomach pain. Symptoms may include diarrhea and/or indigestion.

Loss of taste isn't the only way folate deficiency affects the mouth region. If you're suffering from this condition, you may experience painful mouth sores. Your tongue may feel swollen, and if you examine it, you may notice that it's shiny or discolored.

If it goes unchecked, folate deficiency can turn into full-blown anemia.

Symptoms associated with this condition include:

People with anemia often experience dizzy spells, heart palpitations, and shortness of breaths. You may have an acute awareness of the beating of your heart.

In the early stages of the condition, pain is usually concentrated in the mouth and stomach regions. As the condition worsens, however, people may experience pain throughout the body, ranging from the chest to the legs. Persistent headaches are also common.

It's no wonder that anemia has an adverse effect on concentration—when you're dizzy, tired, and suffering from pain, it's hard to concentrate on anything. Anemia may also affect memory and increase irritability.

Folate is essential to the production of red blood cells—the cells that travel throughout the body carrying oxygen to our muscles and organs. Without an adequate supply of folate, our red blood cell count dwindles, and our bodies can no longer physically function at top capacity. This leads to and muscle weakness. People with anemia may also notice that their skin looks unusually pale.

What's your favorite way to get your daily dose of folate? Tell us whether you prefer leafy greens or breakfast cereal and show this helpful article to your friends and family!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!