Does folic acid treat b12 deficiency?

Are you feeling tired all the time? Is your skin turning yellow? Are you experiencing an unusual sensation in your limbs? Well, my friend, it’s possible that b12 deficiency is responsible for these symptoms. But, what can be done about it? Should we try folic acid as a treatment option?

In this article, we’ll explore whether folic acid treat b12 deficiency or not.

What is B12 Deficiency?

Before we delve into the details of deficiency and its treatments let’s understand what exactly is this b-12 thingy-ma-jig anyways!

B- 12 also known as cobalamin serves to form red blood cells and helps with nervous system function. The vitamin only found in foods produced from animals may cause people who follow strict veganism or vegetarianism to suffer either from inadequate B- 12 intake or from reduced ability to absorb the vitamins in their stomachs.

Symptoms

The symptoms caused by a lack of Vitamin-B- usually develop gradually but if left untreated can result in severe consequences including permanent nerve damage; so early diagnosis is crucial!. Here are some awkward signs that clearly tell that you have b12 deficiency:

  • Fatigue
  • Yellow Skin Color
  • Weakness
  • Constipation
  • Lack Of Appetite
  • Difficulty Maintaining Balance

Now when we know our enemy here comes our hero “FOLIC ACID” .

Role of Folic Acid & B Vitamins

Where do they come from?

Unthinkable without food sources like spinach ,broccoli etc . Yes!! Leafy greens together with egg yolks, beef liver,yeast extracts provide those important members of the “B group vitamins”, namely folate&neurotropic vitamins which includes Vitamin-B8andVitamin-B3 ranging up until Vitamin–B1&B2 .

Why are they important?

whereas folate is essential for the growth & function of cells,folic acid can be found in fortified supplements which are widely used by physicians to protect against neural tube events like spina bifida hence making it all-important pre-pregnancy supplement.

Can Folic Acid Help B12 Deficiency?

The answer is: No, folic acid cannot treat b12 deficiency.

Though both vitamins do have similar health benefits, relying solely on folic acid when you suffer from b12 deficiency can even compound problems! A major reason for this not being an alternative course of action is because vitamin- 12 and folic acid perform different vital functions .Therefore using one in place of the other will only cause further complications.

Pro Tip : Want some extra precaution? Speak with your doctor who presumably may offer Vitamin-B injections instead to overcome stated cobalamin deficiencies.

When Should I Take Folate Supplements?

There’s no evidence that suggests taking extra amounts will benefit otherwise healthy people— except in pregnant women. As mentioned earlier their daily intake should comprise several hundred micrograms per day (most commonly obtained through prenatal vitamin).

So forget “funky” homeopaths or “herbalists”guys!. And Better yet ditch instagram influencers promising miraculous cures online just by including certain type of herbs into your daily macchiato(sounds – rather yummy actually). Trust me,nope you don’t need any added risk factor!

As a natural human tendency we tend to self-diagnose a lot but if someone suspects any underlying medical problem especially inadequate supply then seeking consultation from GP’s or dieticians,respectively where applicable seems most reasonable thing to do..

Other Sources

Now while theres no doubt both Vitamins play crucial roles ,what needs also pointed out here as alternate remedies some lesser known sources:

  • Chlorella Algae
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Laver seaweed

Let’s have a quick look into what treasures these lesser-known sources lie in offer:

Chlorella Algae

The single cell, fresh water algae – chlorella helps to detoxify the body and supports immune function. Its profile range from high protein content to its powerful chlorophyll that leads it being one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth!

Nutritional Yeast

Apart from being plant-based cheese/nutrition supplement ,Nutritional Yeast is considered a complete protein and provides all nine essential amino acids . It’s also an important source of vitamin B12.

Laver Seaweed

Seaweed rolls filled with rice may be comfy accesible food choice in certain restaurants but ever thought about their vitamins count ? Alongside good old Nori apart from other B-Vitamins, it often contains more than twice DVs for Vit-B 12

Conclusion

In conclusion, folic acid cannot be used as a treatment for b12 deficiency. Therefore, individuals showing symptoms of cobalamin deficiencies must confer with their doctors regarding possible Vitamin- B injections instead.We debunked questionable myths& theories surrounding said topic alongwith introducing additional alternate sources/foods rich in required supplements like nutritional yeast,chlorella &lavar seaweed so add away perhaps!, however medical expert guidance should not be replaced through web scrawls or ‘quick fixes’.

Random Posts