How to Identify Symptoms of Folic-Acid Anemia

Folic acid is one of those elements that is essential for health. Without it, anemia results. Learning how to understand and identify symptoms of folic-acid anemia or deficiency will help prevent complications and encourage people to seek adequate treatment. Most commonly found in women over 30, the risk of developing folic-acid anemia increases with pregnancy, smoking, chronic illnesses or surgeries.

Instructions

1

Watch for signs or episodes of fatigue or weakness, regardless of physical condition. Many otherwise healthy individuals suffer from feelings of lethargy or fatigue when they are not eating a well-balanced diet with adequate vitamin and mineral essentials. Such weakness may be fleeting but chronic over a period of days, weeks or months, depending on the severity of the folic-acid deficiency.

2

Look at your tongue. In individuals suffering from folic-acid deficiency or anemia, the tongue will appear red and sore. Ulcers will develop within the mouth cavity.

3

Examine your skin carefully. The skin of those suffering from folic-acid deficiency may appear pale. Gums as well as the inside lining of the eyelids will appear paler than their normal healthy-pink color.

4

Pay attention if you're feeling short of breath. Breathing often becomes difficult with those suffering from folic-acid anemia, to the point it is difficult to take in deep, full breaths. Shortness of breath should always be considered to be abnormal, and you should seek the advice of a physician if you have this condition.

5

Touch your fingers and toes. Are they numb or tingly? Sometimes, such tingling is a symptom of a folic-acid deficiency. Seek advice from a physician.