What causes folate deficiency?

Folate, also called vitamin B9, supports the production of healthy red blood cells and helps cells make and maintain genetic material. Levels may fall when meals contain too few folate-rich foods, when the body cannot absorb nutrients properly, or when demand rises during pregnancy or periods of rapid cell growth. Digestive conditions such as Coeliac Disease can interfere with absorption. Heavy alcohol use and some medicines can also reduce intake, absorption, storage, or use of folate. Symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, a sore tongue, mouth changes, or breathlessness from anaemia, but these features have other possible causes.

Arrange a medical assessment if symptoms persist or a blood test has shown anaemia. A clinician may review your usual food intake, digestion, alcohol use, pregnancy status, and medicines, then consider blood tests for folate, vitamin B12, and the type of anaemia. Do not start folic acid without discussing vitamin B12 testing, because folic acid can improve the blood picture while nerve problems from B12 deficiency continue. Eat a varied diet that includes leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, citrus fruit, and fortified foods when suitable for you.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or marked weakness. Contact a clinician promptly for worsening fatigue, persistent mouth or tongue soreness, unintentional weight loss, ongoing diarrhoea, or difficulty swallowing. Pregnancy, a restrictive diet, known digestive disease, or long-term medicine use makes a planned review especially useful.

Ask whether your symptoms fit folate deficiency, whether vitamin B12 should be checked, and whether a digestive condition could be affecting absorption. You can also ask which foods or supplement dose suit your circumstances and whether any current medicine needs review.