The answer to all the questions.

I have been amazed at the emails and calls and comments I have had since my post today about Folic Acid, so being as ignorant as the most average person I looked it up so here goes my explanation ... in simple words I hope.... Plus a few from the reports I read.

Humans cannot produce folate and therefore rely on adequate dietary intake. Since the introduction of folic acid food fortification throughout the world, the prevalence of folic acid deficiency has decreased. However, certain population groups and health conditions may warrant increased folate intake from foods or folic acid supplements.

The most common folic acid deficiency cause is a low daily intake from foods. This may be from a lack of fresh green vegetables, legumes, and enriched grains or from food processing or preparation. Prolonged storage and cooking can cause a 50% to 95% loss of folate.

Other factors that may cause folic acid deficiency are antioxidants, joint health Arthritis etc., evening primrose vitamins and supplements ......  So all you ladies taking Evening Primrose be careful ... not that I was.

Alcoholism: alcohol interferes with folate metabolism and increases folate breakdown ... not me !! Diseases: such as celiac disease and gastric diseases that cause low stomach acid can cause malabsorption
Pharmaceuticals: some drugs may impair folate absorption and inhibit folate metabolism, ...... more than likely my case with Antibiotics.
Pregnancy, lactation and infancy: all have an increased folate requirement .. you can count that one out as well.

Kidney dialysis: increases folate excretion .... no not me either
Other nutrient deficiencies: zinc, riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin B12. These may affect folate absorption and metabolism  ... yes this is part of my problem as these were all low.

•Age: the elderly are more susceptible due to low intake, ... I don't think I fall into this category just yet
Folic acid deficiency poses a number of clinical and diagnostic challenges because in the early stages there may be no obvious signs of deficiency. It may take up to four months before any signs or symptoms.

•Fatigue and weakness .. yeah this was me.

•Headaches and difficulty concentrating .. and this one

•Palpitations ..  may be a few  .... what I thought was panic attacks in the night.

•Diarrhoea .. yes

In the early stages, the tongue may be red and painful ... oh yes!! with mouth ulcers.
Anemia. it occurs with deficiency. Folic acid anemia is called megaloblastic anemia....... I was almost there I guess.

There you go we all learn something new every day so something to keep your eye on as you get on in years or if you are sick for any length of time and taking strong antibugs for to long.