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What is B9 deficiency?

What is B9 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 or B9 (commonly called folate) deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of vitamin B12 or folate causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body using a substance called haemoglobin.

Which disease is caused by deficiency of folic acid?

Most folate-deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of folic acid in the diet. Leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains are natural sources of folic acid. Folate-deficiency anemia in pregnancy may cause a neural tube defect. This is when the brain or spinal cord doesn’t develop normally.

Who is most likely to suffer from vitamin B9 deficiency?

Folate deficiency is most commonly found in pregnant and lactating women, people with chronic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, people following restricted diets due to weight-loss regimes or medical conditions, people with alcohol dependence and people more than 65 years of age.

What deficiency is folic acid used for?

Folic acid is used to: treat or prevent folate deficiency anaemia. help your unborn baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly to avoid development problems (called neural tube defects) such as spina bifida.

What are the symptoms of B9 deficiency?

The symptoms of vitamin B9 deficiency include:

  • tiredness.
  • weakness.
  • heart palpitations.
  • shortness of breath.
  • headaches.
  • irritability.
  • difficulty concentrating.

What is the best source of vitamin B9?

Food Sources

  • Dark green leafy vegetables (turnip greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli)
  • Beans.
  • Peanuts.
  • Sunflower seeds.
  • Fresh fruits, fruit juices.
  • Whole grains.
  • Liver.
  • Seafood.

What are the signs of folic acid deficiency?

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated.

  • extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • lack of energy (lethargy)
  • breathlessness.
  • feeling faint.
  • headaches.
  • pale skin.
  • noticeable heartbeats (palpitations)

What are the symptoms of vitamin B9 deficiency?

What foods are rich in vitamin B9?

What are symptoms of low folic acid?

Who needs folic acid?

CDC urges every woman who could become pregnant to get 400 micrograms (400 mcg) of folic acid every day. The B vitamin folic acid helps prevent birth defects. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and while she is pregnant, her baby is less likely to have a major birth defect of the brain or spine.

What is vitamin B9 good for?

Vitamin B9, also called folate or folic acid, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B-complex vitamins, also help the body use fats and protein.

How do I know if I am vitamin B9 deficient?

A deficiency of vitamin B9, or folic acid, is common and can occur if your body is unable to process nutrients properly. Some signs of vitamin B9 deficiency include: diarrhea, depression, changes to your tongue or feelings of confusion. Pregnant women are at a higher risk for this problem.

What causes low vitamin B levels?

The causes of vitamin B deficiency may vary from one person to another. The most common causes include the following: Physical, spiritual and emotional stress Malnutrition, eating processed foods and refined sugar intake Prescription drugs Frequent exposure to toxins from personal care products and from the environment.

What are the symptoms of low vitamin B?

Symptoms of Vitamin B deficiency . The list of medical symptoms mentioned in various sources for Vitamin B deficiency may include: Cheilosis. Photophobia. Sore throat. Glossitis. Fissure tongue. Seborrheic dermatitis.

Vitamin B9 Benefits. Apart from taking part in the synthesis of RNA and DNA, vitamin B9 contributes to cell division and growth. It is also responsible for the production of red blood cells and improving brain health.