by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: September 09, 2010

Overview of vitamin B9:

Vitamin B9 is one of the many forms of B complex vitamins and is commonly known as folate or folic acid as against its scientific terminology, pteroylglutamic acid. The deficiency of this element seems to be the commonest nutritional deficiency in the United States and thus emphasizes the need for supplementation at least in instances where the demand for folic acid rises rather extensively. The vitamin B9 is an essential element in cell division and DNA synthesis and therefore plays a major role in the growth from the fetus to the adulthood and even beyond.

When considering the sources for vitamin B9, green leafy vegetables, liver and liver products, sunflower seeds, legumes and dried beans are known to be rich sources whereas fruits and vegetables are considered to be moderate sources of the same. Due to its association with cell division, the requirement for folic acid would increase in instances such as pregnancy, breast feeding and cancers. Thus, the dietary recommendation of folic acid which usually stands at 400 mcg for a healthy adult would increase up to 600 mcg for a pregnant mother.

What are the causes of vitamin B9 deficiency?

When considering the high demand states such as the ones mentioned above, unless the requirements are met using supplementation or dietary intake, a person is bound to develop vitamin B9 deficiency. At the same time, poor absorption from the gut can also be attributed to deficient states and this can be seen more evidently in persons whom are alcoholic. Similarly, use of certain medications have also been attributed to folic acid deficiency and therefore should be looked at when investigating for such deficient states.

What are the symptoms of folic acid deficiency?

Many of the symptoms associated with folic acid deficiency would be related to the megaloblastic anemic state and these symptoms can include fatigue, breathlessness, pallor, chest pain, weakness…etc. Apart from these, there may be other symptoms such as irritability, red and sore tongue, memory loss, confusion and diarrhea can also be seen among folic acid deficient individuals. But, it should be remembered that, these symptoms are mostly non-specific and in most instances a diagnosis would require looking at a blood film and assessing the folic acid levels in the blood.

What are the side effects of excessive folic acid use?

The signs related to folic acid toxicity or overdosing might include loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, irritability and restlessness, poor concentration and sleeping problems as well as allergic reactions.

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