### Symptoms
The symptoms of folic acid deficiency can include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Mouth sores
- Neurological issues such as depression or confusion
- Anemia, characterized by the production of abnormally large red blood cells that do not function properly[1][2][3][4].
### Complications
Folic acid deficiency can lead to serious complications, especially during pregnancy. These include:
- Neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly in the developing fetus[1][3][4].
- Increased risk of placental abruption and preterm birth[1][4].
- Potential long-term health issues, including problems with the nervous system and increased risk of heart disease[2][4].
### Diagnosis and Treatment
Folic acid deficiency is diagnosed through blood tests that measure folate levels. Treatment typically involves dietary changes to include more folate-rich foods and may also include folic acid supplements. In some cases, treating underlying conditions that affect folate absorption is necessary[1][2][3][4].
### Prevention
Preventing folic acid deficiency involves maintaining a balanced diet rich in folate and, for pregnant women, taking folic acid supplements as recommended by healthcare providers[1][4].
Citations:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22198-folate-deficiency
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/
[3] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/folate-deficiency-anemia
[4] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/folic-acid-deficiency-anemia
[5] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000354.htm