Who else may need extra folic acid to prevent a deficiency?
People who abuse alcohol, those taking medications that may interfere with the action of folic acid (including, but not limited to those listed above), individuals diagnosed with anemia from folic acid deficiency, and those with malabsorption, liver disease, or who are receiving kidney dialysis treatment may benefit from a folic acid supplement. Folic acid deficiency has been observed in alcoholics. A 1997 review of the nutritional status of chronic alcoholics found low folic acid status in more than 50 percent of those surveyed. Alcohol interferes with the absorption of folic acid and increases excretion of folic acid by the kidney. In addition, many people who abuse alcohol have poor quality diets that do not provide the recommended intake of folic acid. Increasing folic acid intake through diet, fortified foods or supplements, may be beneficial to the health of alcoholics. Anti-convulsant medications such as dilantin increase the need for folic acid. Anyone taking anti-convulsants a
