REPLY TO BAILEY
Reply to Bailey
Bailey points out that folate is a vitamin that occurs naturally occurring and is found in fruits and in leafy green vegetables. Apart from the said sources, folate can also be found in some animal products such as animal kidney and liver.1 Folate performs various biochemical processes in the body. In particular, methylation process is an essential process in the human body. The said process determines gene expression, maintains chromosomal stability, and helps in development of mutations.1 My colleague has highlighted various causes of folate deficiency. Beside the causes that have been highlighted in the post, it is important to note that folate deficiency may result from medication side effect. For instance, treatment with medications which are inclusive of sulfalazine, methotrexate, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and phenytoin may lead to folate deficiency.2 In addition, folate deficiency may be caused by excessive intake of alcohol whereby alcohol interferes with the absorption of folate and increases the rate at which folate is excreted in urine.2
Another interesting fact about folate, as indicted by my colleague, happens to be the physical consequences of folate deficiency. Apart from the consequences highlighted, it is important to note that folate deficiency also causes birth defects to the brain of a fetus that is developing. Folate deficiency is also associated with low levels of platelets and white blood cells. In addition, folate deficiency may also lead to red blood cells that are not fully developed or those that are larger than normal.2 My colleague also indicates that folate deficiency causes anorexia. Apart from anorexia, a person with folate deficiency may have anemia and present symptoms which are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; irritability, shortness of breath, pale skin, lethargy, weakness, and persistent fatigue.2 We can use our knowledge in this case to improve the wellbeing of others, which is essentially what we called upon to do in Proverbs 3:27.
References
1.Bjelakovic G, Stojanovic I, Jevtovic-Stoimenov T, Bjelakovic L, Kamenov B, Pavlovic D. Kocic G, Sokolovic D, Basic J, Bjelakovic G B. Is Folic Acid Supplementation to Food Benefit or Risk for Human Health? Pteridines. 2013; 24(2-4):165-181. https://doi.org/10.1515/pterid-2013-0024
2. Cafasso J. Folate Deficiency.2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/folate-deficiency#symptoms
