Vitamin B9 (Folate) is needed for copying and synthesizing DNA, producing new cells, and supporting nerve and immune functions. Studies show that a diet high in folate-rich foods can help prevent cancer, heart disease, birth defects, anemia and cognitive decline.
Symptoms Linked to B9 (Folate) Deficiency:
- Changes in mood, including irritability
- Chronic low energy (including chronic fatigue syndrome)
- Poor immune function; frequently getting sick
- Developmental problems during pregnancy and infancy, including stunted growth
- Poor digestion; issues like constipation, bloating and IBS
- Anemia
- Canker sores in the mouth and a tender, swollen tongue
- Pale skin
- Premature hair graying
B9 (Folate) Deficiency Contributors:
- Prolonged antibiotic use
Health Problems Associated to B9 (Folate) Deficiency:
- ADHD – Low Folate status in pregnancy linked to hyperactivity in children. People with the MTHFR (methyltetrahydrafolate reductase) gene are predisposed to Folate deficiency & more likely to have ADHD.
- Anxiety – Aids in production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine & serotonin which have a calming effect on mood.
- Autism – Oral Folate therapy can resolve symptoms of autism in some cases, particularly in autistics with genes that impair Folate dependent enzymes.
- Asthma – Plays a key role in cellular immunity. Low Folate status linked to severity of an allergic response.
- Depression – Folate is a building block for many “feel-good” neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Low Folate causes poor response to anti-depressant meds. The lower the Folate, the more severe the depression.
- Estrogen – Folate deficiency reduces estrogen levels. Excess Folate is linked to some types of estrogen-related breast cancer. Detoxifies excess estrogen via methylation pathway. Regulates estrogen’s effect on genes.
- Fatigue – B Vitamins are necessary for converting food into energy. Cofactors in the mitochondrial respiratory chain include B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and Folate (B9).
- Female Fertility – Folate protects genes during rapid cell division which increases likelihood of a healthy embryo (via methylation of DNA). Deficiency raises homocysteine which damages reproductive cells.
- Gastrointestinal Health – Folate deficiency alters genes in a way that makes colon cells more likely to become cancerous.
- Headaches – MTHFR gene linked to migraines. This gene raises Folate requirements.
- Hypothyroidism – A deficiency in Folate (B9), B6, and B12 can cause elevated homocysteine which is linked with hypothyroidism. Folate levels have been linked to levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
- Hypertension – Folate lowers blood pressure by improving endothelial function, or the ability of blood vessels to properly dilate.
- Insomnia – Folate and Vitamin B6 are cofactors for several neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine, many of which regulate sleep patterns.
- Methylation – Folate is a methyl donor for many reactions in the body, including neurotransmitter synthesis and conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Precursor to SAMe. Required for proper DNA synthesis.
- Sports Nutrition – B vitamins are cofactors for efficient energy metabolism from food. Synthesizing red blood cells require Folate (B9) and B12. Deficiencies in various B vitamins may slow healing in sports injuries.
- Telomeres – Folate influences telomere length via DNA methylation.
- Testosterone – Deficiency reduces circulating testosterone. Evidence suggests testosterone may regulate Folate metabolism.
How to Acquire Folate (B9):
- Spinach
- Beef Liver
- Black Eyed Peas
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Mustard Greens
- Kidney Beans
- Romaine Lettuce
- Avocado
- Orange
Clinical Updates on B9 (Folate)
