Health A-Z

What is folate deficiency?

Folate deficiency is when your blood lacks the amount of vitamin B9 (folate) it needs to function properly. Folate deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications.

What are the symptoms of folate deficiency?

One of the first symptoms of folate deficiency is extreme tiredness (fatigue). Other symptoms may include:

Anemia symptoms

• Paleness.
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Irritability.
• Dizziness.

Oral symptoms

• Tender, red tongue.
• Mouth sores or mouth ulcers.
• Reduced sense of taste.

Neurological symptoms

• Memory loss.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Confusion.
• Problems with judgment.

Additional symptoms of folate deficiency may include:

• Lack of energy.
• Muscle weakness.
• Depression.
• Weight loss.
• Diarrhea.

What causes folate deficiency?

One of the most common causes of folate deficiency is not eating a healthy, balanced diet. A healthy diet includes foods that naturally contain folate or are enriched with folic acid. Other causes of folate deficiency can include:

• Digestive system diseases: Your digestive system doesn’t absorb folic acid well if you have a disease such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.
• Excessive alcohol use: People who drink large amounts of alcohol sometimes substitute alcohol for food. As a result, they don’t get enough folate.
• Overcooking your fruits and vegetables: When you overcook, the heat can destroy the naturally occurring folate in your produce.
• Hemolytic anemia: A blood disorder that occurs when your red blood cells are destroyed and can’t be replaced fast enough.
• Certain medications: Some anti-seizure drugs and ulcerative colitis drugs interfere with the proper absorption of folate.
• Kidney dialysis: A treatment for people with kidney failure.

How is folate deficiency treated?

Your healthcare provider will treat your folate deficiency with a folic acid supplement. Most adults need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day. Your healthcare provider will let you know how much you should take.

Your healthcare provider will also advise you to eat a healthy, balanced diet. A balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables and other foods that contain folate or are enriched with folic acid.

How is folate deficiency diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. They can diagnose folate deficiency through a blood test. The blood test measures the amount of folate in your blood. A low level of folate indicates a folate deficiency.