Folate Deficiency Kathryn Kelley What is folate or
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Folate Deficiency Kathryn Kelley
What is folate or folic acid? Folate or folic acid is also known as Vitamin B 9. Folate or folic acid aids the body in its daily cell production, including new red blood cells. Vitamin B 9 is necessary because it is essential for human growth and development, and it encourages normal nerve and brain functions. All body cells require folate for proper DNA and RNA synthesis. Reduces risk for heart disease
Folate and Pregnancy Folate is most important for helping prevent neural tube defects. Spinal bifida Anencephaly Women considering getting pregnant should consider taking in additional amounts of folate, or folic acid, as a precaution
Causes of folate deficiency Folate deficiency happens when your body does not consume enough folic-rich foods, or folic acid. Can occur due to: Not increasing folate levels to compensate for physical conditions, such as pregnancy, or medical problems such as sickle cell disease. Improper absorption due to alcoholism or kidney problems. Taking certain medications for cancer, seizures, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms Loss of appetite & weight loss Anemia, feeling fatigue at first then dizziness, paleness and shortness of breath of disorder progresses Mental confusion, headaches Smooth, red tongue Gastrointestinal problems Skin irritation Bone fractures Low libido (common in men) Pregnancy loss Fetal problems
How much folate do you need? (micrograms per day) Adults: 14 -19 years: 400 mcg Pregnant women: ~600 mcg Lactating women: ~500 mcg Children 0 -6 months: 65 mcg 7 -12 months: 80 mcg 1 -3 years: 150 mcg 4 -8 years: 200 mcg 9 -13 years: 300 mcg
Folate Deficiency Treatment Eat enough vitamin B 9 foods! Examples: Green vegetables Beans Spinach Citrus fruits Fortified breads & cereals Folic acid pill supplement
Not enough folic acid in diet?
One Day Menu Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snack ~Mcg 1 cup Pineapple Juice 1 cup Skim Milk 1 cup Fortified Cereal 50 mcg Roast Beef Sandwich on Wheat Bread Spinach Salad w/ Dressing 1 Orange 45 mcg 3 oz marinated broiled chicken ½ cup white long grain rice ½ cup asparagus 9 mcg Grapefruit ~400 mcg 260 mcg 50 mcg 80 mcg 90 mcg
Folate Nutrition Food Item Folate Per Serving Bell pepper ~9 mcg Brown rice ~8 mcg Spinach ~30 mcg Black beans 120 mcg Mandarin oranges 16 mcg Broccoli & Cauliflower ~ 18 mcg Total Folate: ~201 mcg (201/600) 33% of daily amount for a pregnant woman
