Have you ever wondered what your doctor means when they mention folate deficiency? Well, it essentially refers to a condition where the body lacks an adequate amount of vitamin B9 or B12. This deficiency leads to an overproduction of red blood cells which, in turn, affects their normal functioning. While anemia is commonly associated with insufficient iron in the bloodstream, an imbalance in red blood cell count can also result in a specific type of anemia. Folate deficiency can have various impacts on an individual’s health.
Causes of Folate Deficiency
Folate deficiency can be caused by various factors. One possible cause is pernicious anemia, a condition in which the immune system malfunctions and damages cells in the stomach instead of protecting them. This damage interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12 from the food supply, leading to folate deficiency. Another cause can be attributed to following a diet that lacks an adequate supply of vitamin B12. Additionally, certain medications used to treat other conditions can also have the side effect of causing folate deficiency.
Who is at a higher risk of developing a folate deficiency?
Although anyone can develop a folate deficiency, certain groups of people are more susceptible to this problem. Statistics indicate that older individuals are particularly at risk. In the United Kingdom, medical services report that approximately five percent of individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 have a folate deficiency. This percentage rises to ten percent among those aged 75 and above.