What dietary advice should I provide to patients diagnosed with folate deficiency?

Dietary advice for patients diagnosed with folate deficiency:

• Advise patients to increase their intake of folate-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale), citrus fruits, beans, peas, and fortified cereals.
• Explain the importance of taking folic acid supplements, as they are easy to take, well tolerated, and effective in correcting folate deficiency.
• For women who may become pregnant, are planning pregnancy, or are in early pregnancy, recommend taking a daily folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms to prevent neural tube defects, ideally starting 3 months before conception and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• For those at higher risk of neural tube defects (e.g., previous affected pregnancy, family history, diabetes, certain haematological conditions, or taking medications that affect folate metabolism), advise a higher dose of folic acid (5 mg daily) under medical supervision.
• Encourage patients to obtain folic acid supplements through NHS Healthy Start vitamins if eligible, or from other low-cost sources.
• Support adherence by discussing ways to remember daily supplementation, such as pairing with routine activities or using reminders.

This dietary and supplementation advice helps correct folate deficiency and reduces the risk of congenital malformations in pregnancy.

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