Folate deficiency

Folate deficiency means that your body doesn’t have enough folic acid to function as it should. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9). If a deficiency continues over time, it may turn into folic acid deficiency anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells.

This article has been verified by a medical professional

Impact of folate deficiency on fertility

Folic acid is very important when you’re trying to conceive. Research shows that folic acid supports egg maturation, and a deficiency may interfere with regular ovulation. During pregnancy, it’s very important to have enough folic acid as it helps prevent severe complications including chromosomal disorders and neural tube defects, which can lead to pregnancy loss. A deficiency can also lead to high blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia).

Potential causes of folate deficiency

The main reason for a folic acid deficiency is not getting enough of this vitamin through your diet. It may also be due to the following factors:

• Excessive alcohol drinking
• Digestive problems that make your body not absorb folic acid as it should, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease 
• Certain medications including those used to treat seizures
• Gluten intolerance
• Liver disease
• Genetic diseases
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Even if you eat a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies, it’s possible to have a deficiency if you overcook your food, as the heat destroys the natural folate.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a folic acid deficiency include:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Irritability

Diagnosis

Healthcare providers diagnose a deficiency in folate through a blood test that measures the amount of folate in your blood. If you have a low level, you will be diagnosed as folate deficient.

Treatment to improve fertility

It’s easy to fix a folic acid deficiency by taking supplements. Current medical guidelines recommend that all women of reproductive age take a 400 microgram folic acid supplement each day, on top of eating a healthy diet containing folate. Some women may require a higher dose, for instance if they are at higher risk of having a pregnancy affected by neural tube defects. Talk to your doctor about the dose that’s right for you.

Studies show that folic acid supplementation is associated with higher pregnancy rates and better embryo quality.

In addition to supplementation, here are foods containing folate that you can eat more of:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Eggs
• Beets
• Citrus fruits
• Lentils
• Seeds
• Nuts
• Asparagus

For more nutritional advice for your journey to pregnancy, check out our article on fertility foods.  

This article has been verified by a medical professional

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