- Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect characterized by varying degrees of disability, ranging from mild to severe.
- Individuals with spina bifida may experience difficulties in mobility, bladder and bowel control, and even cognitive and learning impairments.
- The importance of adequate folate intake during the pre-conception period and early stages of pregnancy cannot be overstated in the prevention of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Pregnancy increases the demand for vitamin folate, and insufficient intake or absorption can lead to a deficiency. To prevent such deficiency, folic acid supplementation is often recommended. Maternal folate deficiency during pregnancy can have detrimental effects on fetal development, particularly increasing the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
It is crucial for pregnant women to prioritize adequate folate intake and consult with their healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Age And Vitamin Folate Deficiency
Folate Requirements In Different Age Groups
Folate, also known as vitamin b9, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, such as cell division and dna synthesis. However, the requirements for folate intake vary among different age groups. Here are the key points to understand:
- Infants (0-6 months): Infants require approximately 65 micrograms (mcg) of folate per day, primarily from breast milk or fortified formula.
- Children (1-3 years): The recommended daily allowance (rda) for children in this age range is 150 mcg of folate.
- Children (4-8 years): The rda for children between the ages of 4 and 8 increases to 200 mcg per day.
- Adolescents (9-13 years): During adolescence, folate needs are higher, with an rda of 300 mcg per day for both boys and girls.
- Teenagers (14-18 years): Teenagers have an increased rda of 400 mcg per day, reflecting their rapid growth and development.
- Adults (19 years and older): The rda for adults is 400 mcg per day for men and women. However, pregnant and lactating women have higher folate requirements.
Causes Of Folate Deficiency In The Elderly
Elderly individuals are more prone to folate deficiency due to various factors, including:
- Inadequate dietary intake: Some older adults may have a limited appetite or difficulty chewing and swallowing, leading to inadequate consumption of folate-rich foods.
- Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with folate absorption and utilization, contributing to deficiency in the elderly population.
- Medication interactions: Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and methotrexate, can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb or use folate effectively.
- Malabsorption disorders: Aging can affect the digestive system, leading to conditions like celiac disease or gastrointestinal surgeries that impair folate absorption.
- Chronic diseases: Older adults often have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease, which can increase folate requirements or hinder its absorption.
- Decreased vitamin storage capacity: Aging can reduce the body’s ability to store and release folate from liver stores, increasing the risk of deficiency.
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