Looking Pale and Feeling Short of Breath? You May Be Vitamin B9 Deficient

Have you struggled with sudden paleness of skin that is accompanied by breathing difficulties? Paleness and shortness of breath can be caused by numerous temporary factors: a long tiring day at work or in school, or emotional distress. However, when these inconveniences constantly happen to you, chances are you have Vitamin B9 deficiency.

Also known as Folic Acid or Folate, Vitamin B9 is essential to several functions in the body, including the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis and replication. For women who are pregnant, Vitamin B9 prevents the development of fetus deformities.

This vitamin is water-soluble, therefore cannot cause toxicity. But just like other water-soluble nutrients, Vitamin B9 levels can get easily depleted. Early indications of deficiency may include fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, deficiency may lead to megaloblastic anemia, a type of anemia wherein the bone marrow produces large red blood cells.

Aside from the pregnant, other groups that are at high risk of deficiency are alcoholics, and people with malabsorption problems.

To prevent deficiency, the Food and Nutrition Institute of the Philippines (FNRI) suggests Filipino adults to attain the daily recommended Folate intake of 400-100 mcg. To meet this requirement, we suggest eating foods rich in Folate such as dark green leafy vegetables, beans, dairy products, liver, cucumber, and eggs.

Determine more information about Folate below:

nutricheck-metametrics-folate-vitamin-b9-infographics

Consult a health professional about nutrient testing to find out if you have insufficient Folate levels. An accurate analysis of your Folate level can guide your doctor recommend a personalized dietary and supplementation plan that will help maintain sufficient Vitamin B9 in your body.

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