Some research suggests that taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy could reduce the baby’s chance of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A person living with depression should discuss folate supplementation with their doctor. More research is necessary to determine the impact of folate on mood disorders. Studies from 20 seem to indicate that it may not. However, whether taking folic acid supplements could improve depression symptoms is unclear. Research indicates that as many as 30% of severely depressed patients have a folate deficiency.Īccording to a 2021 study, having less than 6.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of serum folate was associated with increased suicidal behavior in patients with depressive disorders. People with lower levels of folate may be more likely to experience depression. Learn more about folic acid for pregnancy. Since the FDA required adding folic acid to food in 1998, the number of babies born with neural tube irregularities has decreased. Those who are breastfeeding or chestfeeding should aim to take around 500 mcg per day. People with spina bifida or a family history of neural tube irregularities should take 4,000 mcg per day. The Office on Women’s Health recommends that people who are or might become pregnant take 400–800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid or L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, which is the natural form of dietary folate, per day. The neural tube is what forms the embryo’s early brain and spine.įolic acid may also reduce the risks of preterm birth, heart irregularities, and cleft palate, among other things. It can also lead to neural tube irregularities, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The spinal cord is one of the first parts of the body to form in an embryo, and folate deficiency can lead to spinal cord irregularities. However, some people in particular can still benefit from taking folic acid supplements. Most people get enough folate from their diet, and folate deficiency is rare in the United States. people with MTHFR polymorphism, which is a genetic condition that impairs the ability to convert folate to its active form and leads to elevated levels of an amino acid called homocysteine in the blood.people with conditions that affect nutrient absorption, including irritable bowel disorder (IBD) and celiac disease.Some groups at increased risk of folate deficiency include: irritability, headache, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.a change in color of the skin, hair, or fingernails.sores on the tongue and inside the mouth.Some symptoms of folate deficiency include: This can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia.ĭuring pregnancy, folate deficiency increases the risk of congenital irregularities. This is because folic acid is crucial for early fetal development, particularly with regard to the spinal cord.īecause of its importance for health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to add folic acid to enriched bread, pasta, rice, cereals, and other grain products in the United States.įolate deficiency occurs when there is not enough folate present in the body. Getting enough folate during pregnancy is particularly important. Without enough folate, a person can also develop a type of anemia called folate deficiency anemia.įolate is also important for the synthesis and repair of DNA and other genetic material, and it is necessary for cells to divide. If the body does not make enough of these, a person can develop anemia, leading to fatigue, weakness, and a pale complexion. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. It helps the body make healthy new red blood cells, for example. Share on Pinterest ZenShui/Frederic Cirou/Getty Images Folic acid may reduce the risk of preterm birth.įolate is important for a range of functions in the body.

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