Can folic acid deficiency lead to weight gain? | Folic acid deficiency – What you should know

Can folic acid deficiency lead to weight gain?

Sweating is not one of the typical symptoms caused by a folic acid deficiency. However, sweating and sensitivity to heat often occur in cases of hyperthyroidism. This in turn can lead to a folic acid deficiency.

Is depression related to a folic acid deficiency?

Various studies have shown indications that there is a connection between folic acid and depression. Folic acid is important for the formation of messenger substances. These are important for communication between nerve cells.

In a depression, the messenger substances in the brain are out of balance. It has been found that patients with depression have lower folic acid levels. In addition to depression, it can also lead to increased irritability and the appearance of anxiety.

Treatment of folic acid deficiency

The additional intake of folic acid is crucial in the therapy of a folic acid deficiency in order to compensate for the deficiency. This takes place in the form of tablets. At the same time it is important to treat the cause of the folic acid deficiency.

First of all, it is naturally important to cover the folic acid requirement in the case of an existing folic acid deficiency. This should be done with food supplements until the deficiency is balanced. This is how a sufficient supply can be ensured.

Nevertheless, there are many foods that contain a lot of folic acid and can counteract or prevent a deficiency. Foods with a high folic acid content are chickpeas and liver, although the folic acid content of the liver varies from animal to animal. The folic acid content can be over 300 μg per 100 grams.

In addition to chickpeas, normal peas and lentils also contain relatively high levels of folic acid. There are, however, other foods with a high folic acid content. One of these is legumes.

But wheat bran and oat flakes also have a high folic acid content. In addition, many vegetables provide folic acid – especially leafy vegetables such as spinach. But also lamb’s lettuce and various types of cabbage, e.g. Brussels sprouts, contain a lot of folic acid.

Compared to vegetables, fruit contains less folic acid. Sour cherries and strawberries are the fruit varieties with a high folic acid content. Among animal products, eggs, kidneys and cheese, such as brie or camembert, do not have a low folic acid content.