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How Much Folic Acid Should Be A Part Of One's Daily Diet?

Posted on Wed, 5 Aug 2015

Question: How much folic acid to take when binge drink?
I believe I could be not getting enough folic acid, my diet is high in protein with vegetables microwaved each day. But no fruits other than bananas. I drink many beers 2 days a week. For these reasons, I take a 400ug b complex. But I believe I should have 800ug of folic acid on days when drinking beer, as lack of food on that day combined with effect of alcohol would mean I need more folic acid?
Symptoms: depression, anxiety, laggy thinking, few gray hairs scattered, very slow spreading of vitiligo since 15, weight loss.
Today i purchased 400ug folic acid to take with my b complex which also contains 400ug, total then is 800ug. How often should i take it? Only on my beer days, or every day? I just took it with my b complex and feel better, probably placebo effect, but please advise for my lifestyle.

Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should take 1500 mcg folic acid daily, please provide more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear
I had gone through your query very diligently and I can understand your concern

If your diet is rich in all nutrients and vitamins than you may not require supplements

In my opinion you should take Multivitamins containing thiamine and all other vitamins including folic acid vitamin B 12.

You should take folic acid 1500 mcg with vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 10 mg, thiamine 10 mg daily initially for a month after that you can take it on twice weekly or on alternate day.

Weight loss and depression might not be related to folic acid deficiency which warrants detailed evaluation
If you can provide me more information like
How much you have lost and over what period?
Any history of cough or fever
Any other relevant medical history like diabetes, liver or thyroid disease
any recent change in appetite?

Please revert back to me with all these details so that I will be able to tell you more accurately.
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (11 hours later)

Thanks for your reply.

Also I've had slight but constant acne, can this be from folic acid deficency?
No fever etc.
No other health issues, i think I look quite healthy apart from the symptoms. I'm pale though.
I've upped my folic acid again today, feel better from it.
I had full blood count, it was fine apart from MCV was 100, after 4 month of taking the b complex is decreased a little to 98.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Acne might not be related to folic acid deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hello
welcome again
Acne is generally appears due to blockage in sebum secreting glands and it's duct which might not be related to folic acid deficiency

Please upload me the reports for better assessment of the condition

In my opinion you should wash it with an antiseptic face wash and keep it moist,you can apply antibiotic ointment like clindamycin.

Thanks for your question
wish you good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (11 hours later)

It's usually a few spots each week mainly around my mouth more than anywhere, never any on forehead. Used to have it bad when 15 but its nothing major anymore. I take Vitamin A and Zinc each day and it helps a lot.

I am continuing to take 800ug of folic acid, how long you recommend I do it before lowering dose? Or to continue it?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should take food rich in all essential micronutrients

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You should continue taking folic acid for a month after that you can take once or twice weekly
Folic acid and other vitamins are required in our body on the basis of daily demand and supply in diet.

So you need to supplement your diet with folic acid when your food is lacking this particular micronutrient.

You should apply antiseptic ointment on the rashes.
Thanks for your question
Wish you good health and speedy recovery.
Regards

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj