It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given. Women of childbearing age, people who abuse alcohol, anyone taking anti-convulsants or other medications that interfere with the action of folate, individuals diagnosed with anemia from folate deficiency, and individuals with malabsorption, liver disease, or who are receiving kidney dialysis treatment may benefit from a folic acid supplement. Folic acid is very important for all women who may become pregnant. Women who could become pregnant are advised to eat foods fortified with folic acid or take supplements in addition to eating folate-rich foods to reduce the risk of some serious birth defects. Folate deficiency has been observed in alcoholics.
Alcohol interferes with the absorption of folate and increases excretion of folate by the kidney.
Increasing folate intake through diet, or folic acid intake through fortified foods or supplements, may be beneficial to the health of alcoholics. Anemia is a condition that occurs when red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen. It can result from a wide variety of medical problems, including folate deficiency. Your physician can determine whether an anemia is associated with folate deficiency and whether supplemental folic acid is indicated. Several medical conditions increase the risk of folic acid deficiency.