What do you know about folic acid? The second week of January is designated as National Folic Acid Awareness Week. It’s one of several vitamins and minerals that old adults do not get enough of. Learn more about this essential nutrient. Having personal care at home services can oversee the vitamin intake of your senior.
Folic Acid is Known as Vitamin B9
B vitamins are essential nutrients. Folic acid is simply a synthetic form of folate or vitamin B9. Folate is found in leafy green vegetables, liver, and dried beans. Folic acid is found in vitamin supplements and fortified foods like breads, breakfast cereals, and pasta.
23% of Adults 80 or Older Have a Deficiency
Between the ages of 50 and 60, the rate of folic acid deficiencies is around 14%. By the age of 80, that deficiency rate increases to 23%. It’s most common in people who smoke or classify as obese.
The CDC recommends that adults consume 400 mcg dietary folate equivalents every day. Food sources are the best way to get this. Supplements provide some, but digestion breaks down the amount that reaches your bloodstream to a point where a pill taken on an empty stomach offers 0.5 mcg for every 1 mcg, and supplements taken with food provide 0.6 mcg.
It’s Essential for Cellular Health and Combatting Anemeia
The role of folate or folic acid is to help the body create new cells. Studies have found that people with high blood pressure who take folic acid supplements have a lower risk of stroke. It’s believed that it can also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
When the folate levels in the blood are low, it can cause megaloblastic anemia. This form of amenia occurs when the red blood cells produced in the bone marrow are abnormally large, immature cells. Symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, and dizziness.
Folic Acid Supplements Have Shown to Improve Cognitive Skills
One study took a group of older adults between the ages of 66 and 80 with poor concentration and abstract thinking skills. They were found to have low folate levels. When they were given folic acid supplements, some cognitive skills, such as attention and memory, improved.
Make sure your mom is getting enough of the proper nutrients throughout the week. Start by talking to her doctor. Learn more about her nutritional needs and what blood tests have shown. If she’s not getting enough specific vitamins or minerals, learn what they are and how to change them.
Support from Personal Care at Home Services
With the support of personal care at home aides, your mom’s dietary needs can be met. Call and talk to our specialist in personal care at home services to learn more and schedule meal preparation and planning services.
Sources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180626113338.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/faqs/faqs-link.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1123448/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
If you or a family member are in need of hiring Personal Care at Home Services in Floral Park NY, or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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