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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.
Anemia is a condition in which blood has a lower-than-normal amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin. [1] Anemia in pregnancy is a decrease in the total red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin in the blood during pregnancy. Anemia is an extremely common condition in pregnancy world-wide, conferring a number of health risks to mother and child. [2]
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 ...
Deficiencies in folic acid may cause neural tube defects (NTDs). Women who had 0.4 mg of folic acid in their systems due to supplementing 3 months before childbirth significantly reduced the risk of NTDs. [29] More than 80 countries use fortification of certain foods with folic acid as a measure to decrease the rate of NTDs. [30]
Doses of folic acid over 1 mg are prescription only. The amount of non-prescription prenatal vitamins needed to achieve this dose may have too much vitamin A and lead to fetal toxicity. [2] In addition, the U.S. Army currently provides female soldiers with optional prenatal supplements to combat high anemia rates in female soldiers. [10]
Nutritional anemia can be caused by a lack of iron, protein, vitamin B12, and other vitamins and minerals that are needed for the formation of hemoglobin. However, Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disorder. [7] Signs of anemia include cyanosis, jaundice, and easy bruising. [7]
[2] [3] Use in pregnancy or breastfeeding is generally regarded as safe. [2] When used for anemia it is recommended that pernicious anemia as a cause be ruled out first. [3] Folinic acid is a form of folic acid that does not require activation by dihydrofolate reductase to be useful to the body. [3] Folinic acid was first made in 1945. [5]
It is recommended to accompany regular meals with a daily prenatal vitamin supplement that has sufficient folic acid and iron content. [30] If the fetus is predicted to have low birth weight, in addition to the general recommendations, it would be ideal to increase caloric intake, which can be done by having extra Food Guide Servings daily. [30]