Folic Acid Deficiency: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Folate or vitamin B9 is an essential nutrient needed by the body. When taken as a form of a supplement, it is known as folic acid. Folic acid deficiency does not put you at a very high risk for serious health problems however, as is the case with most nutrient deficiencies, it is important to address it as it is needed by your body. Folate acid works with other nutrients in the body to prevent heart disease and stroke and is therefore important. It can also help with depression, dementia, and even cancer.

The best way to get folate acid is from food. This is why if you have a folate acid deficiency, you will be referred to a nutritionist or a dietician in order to address it. Folate acid deficiency can also be address in the forms of folic acid supplements that are taken as instructed by the doctor. Both ways are highly effective in treating this deficiency.

Once it is determined that you are suffering from a folic acid deficiency, you will be referred to a nutritionist or a dietician so that an effective treatment plan can be created according to your needs. Thus, the dietician will first begin by assessing your body. They will take your height, weight, age, and body type into account while creating the diet plan. They will also take your lifestyle into account so that it is easier for you to stick to your diet. For instance, if you are in a high pressure job and just do not have time for yourself at all, then they will not ask you to prepare elaborate meals. Instead, they will help you by providing options that are accessible to you with your hectic schedule.

More often than not, people who are suffering from a deficiency of folate acid are asked to add leafy greens to their diet as this is the best source for this nutrient. Another great addition to your diet can be cereals or pastas as they can also add the required amount of folate acid to your body. Of course, the food groups that are added to your diet will depend on your body type as well and if you do not want fattening foods, you will be asked to focus more on the leafy greens rather than the pastas.

For pregnant women, folic acid supplements are an essential part of their daily prenatal vitamins. These help protect the baby from any birth defects or problems and can help with a healthy birth. For pregnant women, the intake of folic acid is non-negotiable.

Pregnant women are always advised to take folic acid supplements, making them highly eligible for this treatment. Anyone who is suffering from a deficiency of folate acid can also seek out treatment for the same.

If you are suffering from a disease that prevents your body from absorbing nutrients properly from food, such as celiac’s disease, then you may not be eligible to the treatments mentioned above. For you, the right course of treatment will be to first treat the underlying condition and then address the nutritional deficiencies side by side.

Since most treatments involve changing your diet and adding nutritional supplements to your daily regime, the side effects you may experience will be focussed on your digestive system. You may experience constipation, diarrhoea, weight gain, weight loss, and changes in your appetite. You may also notice changes in your skin, depending on the food groups you are consuming.

Pregnant women can stop taking the supplements once they have had their baby. You will have to maintain a healthy and balanced diet for the rest of your life to ensure you do not suffer from a folic acid deficiency again.

It can take a month or two to improve the nutrient count in your body.

The price can range from Rs. 100 – Rs. 300, depending on the brand of the supplements you are taking. Speaking to a dietician can range from Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 3,000 per session, depending on who you are seeing and where you are seeing them.

If you follow all the post treatment guidelines properly and do not deviate from your diet, the results of the treatment can be permanent.

There are no alternatives to the treatment. If you are suffering from a folate acid deficiency, you should see a doctor to understand how you can improve your health.