foliumzuurtherapie

Foliumzuurtherapie, or folic acid therapy, is a medical treatment that uses folic acid (vitamin B9) to correct folate deficiency and prevent related complications. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division; deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and, during pregnancy, neural tube defects in the fetus.

Indications for foliumzuurtherapie include folate deficiency due to inadequate intake, malabsorption (for example, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease), increased folate demand in pregnancy and lactation, alcoholism, and certain medications that interfere with folate metabolism. It may also be used to support treatment in specific hematologic conditions and to reduce elevated homocysteine levels in some cardiovascular risk scenarios, though results can vary.

Administration and dosing are typically oral. In prevention, adults often receive about 400 micrograms daily. For documented deficiency, doses commonly range from 1 to 5 milligrams per day, depending on severity and patient factors. Pregnant women are generally advised to take 400 to 800 micrograms daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. In cases of malabsorption or intolerance to oral therapy, parenteral administration can be used.

Safety and monitoring: folic acid is usually well tolerated. Possible adverse effects include mild gastrointestinal upset or rash. A high folate intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency and may delay its diagnosis, potentially worsening neuropathy if present. Folate can interact with medications such as methotrexate, phenytoin, and certain antifolate anticancer drugs, necessitating clinical monitoring and dose adjustments.

See also: folic acid, vitamin B9, neural tube defects, megaloblastic anemia.