Doctors warn deficiency of this key nutrient may raise risk of neurodegenerative disorders

Folate insufficiency can affect mood, memory and ability to learn and long-term brain health. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Folate insufficiency is more than a hole in nutrition, it can have profound implications affecting mood, memory and ability to learn as well as long-term brain health. Diet adding foods high in folate can help. The first line of defense for your brain is eating well.

Folate (vitamin B9) is one of the most important vitamins that most of us never think about. It contributes to the production of DNA, the development of healthy red blood cells and cell growth and repair. The effects of folate deficiency are not only on pregnancy and anemia but especially so (if not more) in brain function. Our brain depends on a harmonious cocktail of nutrients to fire all the right signals at the critical time, and folate is a key player in many metabolic and neurological pathways.

In the fast-paced world we live in, busy schedules and increased consumption of processed foods contribute to a shocking number of adults who are not getting the amount of folate they need to stay well through their food. In its initial phases, the inadequacy is frequently overlooked, concealed by vague symptoms like fatigue, absentmindedness, irritability or moodiness. But the effects can be insidious if not controlled – including damage to cognitive development, emotional stability, memory and even risk for neurodegenerative diseases.

“The optimal level of folate is one of the easiest things you can do as part of a routine healthy diet to help support your long-term brain health,” says Doctor Nirpeksha Malhotra, Neurologist at MindWave Neuro Clinic. Knowing how that nutrient affects brain function helps us understand why a deficiency should not be taken lightly.

The Brain on Folate Deprivation

1. Disrupted Production of Neurotransmitters

Folate is involved in the brain’s production of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine — chemicals that affect mood, motivation and emotional health. When folate is low, levels of these neurotransmitters are also low, which leads to symptoms such as sustained unhappiness, anxiety, irritability and mood dysregulation.

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2. Impaired Memory and Cognitive Processing

Folate is used by the brain to manufacture and repair neural cells. Poor folate leads to reduced learning, memory and the ability to focus. With the stretch of time, people have trouble concentrating or planning and remembering things.

3. Increased Risk of Depression

Folate is a big player in controlling homocysteine, an amino acid which when high, is associated with mood issues. Increased Hcy derived from folate deficiency is correlated with depression. Currently, the status of folate is taken into consideration by several mental-health practitioners in relation to mood-related conditions.

4. Higher Likelihood of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Long-term folate depletion has been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The lack of it can speed up neuroinflammation and damage the ability of brain cells to communicate with one another, leaving the brain open to degeneration.

5. Reduced Brain Energy and Fatigue

Folate is needed for oxygen and energy in the brain. When levels are low, the brain can become less efficient, leading to mental fatigue or slower thinking — failing productivity even after a full night’s sleep.
Leafy greens, lentils, eggs, beans and nuts, fortified cereals — or supplements if one’s doctor says to take them — can really help.

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FAQs on neurogenerative disorders:

1. What are neurodegenerative disorders?

They are conditions in which nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord gradually lose function and die. Examples include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS.

2. What causes these disorders?

Causes vary and may include genetics, aging, environmental toxins, head injuries, and abnormal protein buildup in the brain.

3. What are common early symptoms?

Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, movement problems, tremors, mood changes, and trouble with coordination are common signs.

4. Can neurodegenerative disorders be cured?

There is currently no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow progression in some cases.

5. How can one reduce the risk of developing these disorders?

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, mental stimulation, good sleep, avoiding smoking, and managing chronic conditions like hypertension may help reduce risk.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.