Patient was educated on risk factors for folate deficiency as follows:
- Malnutrition
- Major source of folate, being dietary, poor nutrition intake in general by malnourished patients is a significant risk factor for folate deficiency.
- Food choices
- A portion of folate consumed in the diet is used by the body for metabolic needs. The unused portion of the vitamin is excreted in the urine and is not stored in the body.
- Since folate is not stored in the body, it must be consumed as an essential part of everyday meal. Poor intake of folate rich foods on the meal can be a risk factor for folate deficiency.
- Alcohol abuse
- Alcohol abuse can interfere with folate absorption in the intestines, lead to a malnutrition state, and result in folate deficiency.
- Also, excessive alcohol intake can increase the frequency of urination with increased excretion of folate in the urine, contributing to deficiency of the vitamin.
