Patient was educated on life-style measures to be observed by individuals with history of folate deficiency as follows:
- Pregnant women can present with increased folate requirements, secondary to increased fetal and biological demands during pregnancy. Folate helps with normal growth of fetal brain and spinal cord and deficiency of folate in pregnant women can result in defective growth of brain and spinal cord, resulting in congenital defects. Pregnant women must observe compliance with daily intake recommendation on folate, as recommended by the physician.
- Chronic use of some antiseizure, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory medications can interfere and inhibit absorption of folate in small intestine and result in folate deficiency. Individuals taking medications belonging to these groups on a regular basis must avoid having these medications at the same time with folate rich foods and folate supplements and observing a gap of 2 hours between them can help prevent this interaction.
- Poor DNA synthesis and repair involving the nervous tissues, secondary to folate deficiency, can result in neuropathy. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any new or worsening symptoms of neuropathy, such as, tingling and numbness of hands and feet, altered sensitivity to touch and temperature, radiating burning sensation in extremities, poor coordination and balance, and increased risk for falls & accidents. Individuals with neuropathy must observe compliance with smoking cessation, if applicable
