Importance:
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is a naturally occurring B vitamin. Manufacturers add folic acid to supplements and fortified foods because it helps produce red blood cells, among other benefits.
Folate, also called vitamin B-9, is a B vitamin that naturally occurs in certain foods. Folic acid is the form of folate that manufacturers add to vitamin supplements and fortified foods.
Folate deficiency:
Folate deficiency occurs when there is not enough folate present in the body. This can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia.
During pregnancy, folate deficiency increases the risk of congenital irregularities.
Some symptoms of folate deficiency include:
-weakness
-fatigue
-trouble concentrating
-headache
-irritability
-heart palpitations
-sores on the tongue and inside the mouth
-a change in color of the skin, hair, or fingernails
-irritability, headache, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath
side effects:
A person should speak to a doctor before taking folic acid if they have any of the followingTrusted Source:
-epilepsy
-type 2 diabetes
-rheumatoid arthritis
-lupus
-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
-celiac disease
-Certain medications used to treat these conditions can interact with folate. People undergoing kidney dialysis may also consider avoiding taking folic acid.
Is Vitamin B9 The Same As Folic Acid?
Folate, also known as vitamin B₉ and folacin, is one of the B vitamins. Manufactured folic acid, which is converted into folate by the body, is used as a dietary supplement and in food fortification as it is more stable during processing and storage.
