Signs of Pernicious Anemia are fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders(particularly diarhhea), and partial loss of coordination in the fingers, feet and limbs. There may be a loss of appetite, and the skin can have a pale or flushed look about it. In severe cases of anemia this can lead to eventual death.
Other symptoms of a folic acid deficiency include: mouth sores, metabolic changes, and increased chance of birth defects and problems with the mucosa membranes.
It is also possible to develop Pernicious Anemia if you have a deficiency of the vitamins, B12 and B7. In fact folic acid is so effective at treating anemia that if you take too much of it, it can mask the anemia caused by a deficiency of one of these other two vitamins. This can lead to severe damage as folic acid is not a replacement for these other two vitamins and is not treating the deficiency, simply the symptom of deficiency in the case of vitamins, B12 and B7. The dangers of masking these two vitamin deficiency are that the other symptoms will continue. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to fatigue and depression. Its also been linked to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and Vitamin B7. deficiency can lead to depression, brittle nails and skin disorders and muscle cramps.
Due to this danger of masking other vitamin deficiencies there has been an upper limit intake (UL) set for folic acid. This limit is one thousand mcg. daily of folic acid. A normal adult is recommended to take four hundred mcg. daily and a woman who could become pregnent, is pregnent or is lactating should take between six hundred and eight hundred mcg. daily of folic acid.
Because folic acid is effective at treating anemia it is sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat anemia symptoms caused by other conditions. Interestingly folic acid was first discovered because a Dr. Lucy Wills noted that a substance in Brewer’s Yeast appeared to correct the condition of anemia in pregnant women. This substance was folic acid.
The primary cause of a folic acid deficiency is poor diet, but currently governments in the U.S., Britain and other countries are requiring that foods be fortiefied with folic acid or folate as it is sometimes called. This fortification greatly reduces the chances that someone in these countries will delevop a folic acid deficiency and the ensuing anemia. Foods that are fortified with folic acid are, breakfast cereals, some grain products and wheat flour.
Of course it is possible to get your RDA of folic acid from the foods that you eat. Such foods high in folic acid are green leafy veggies, wheat germ, peas and other legumes, and citrus. Visit http://www.stanley-home-products.com
So why is folic acid so important? Actually, it is a primary component in the replication of DNA and cell development.
As you can imagine, if folic acid levels are below normal, it can cause serious harm to the body and pose risks for the development of certain diseases later in life. For instance, those with low levels of folic acid are at a greater risk for developing certain cancers including that of the breast, colon or pancreas.
In severe cases, those with a folic acid deficiency may develop anemia, which has been known to be associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. Hearing loss in the elderly is also thought to be attributed to low levels of folic acid as this can cause the nerves and blood vessels of the auditory system to deteriorate.
It is also important to note that those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia may be seriously affected by folic acid deficiency as the lack of the vitamin has been connected to the atrophy of the cerebral cortex, which only acts to exacerbate the symptoms of the disease or condition and further its progression much faster than normal.
So, how can you tell if you are folic acid deficient? Here are some of the most common symptoms:
-Paranoia -Weight loss -Pale skin -Rapid heart beat -Sore tongue -Fatigue -General feeling of illness -Jaundice -Weakness
While it is serious if you have a folic acid deficiency, it does not mean that you will always have problems, always be unhealthy or end up with a serious disease. In fact, if you notice you are feeling a bit off and you go to the doctor, you may just end up taking folic acid supplements until your levels return back to normal.
Treatment can also include avoiding certain substances such as alcohol, tobacco or anything that will prevent the absorption of iron.
Those with the serious form of folic acid deficiency anemia will probably have ongoing problems despite the folic acid returning to normal levels such as infertility, increased risk for infection and heart disease.
Both Vincent Platania & Lena Butler are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Vincent Platania has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Family Concerns and Home Management. Author Vincent Platania represents the Stanley Home Products. Stanley Home Products has been in business since 1936, and offers high quality home and personal care products to keep your home and your body clean. Visit. Vincent Platania's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Lena Butler has sinced written about articles on various topics from computers and the internet, Office Supplies and computers and the internet. This Article is written by Lena Butler, the author of Home Testing Blog - Testing It Up, and a constant contributor to , a lon. Lena Butler's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.