Folate

Supplements of folate are prescribed to many symptomatic HIV-positive people due to deficiencies caused by a range of treatment drugs and by malabsorption in the intestine. Folate deficiency is also common in smokers. Serious deficiency can lead to platelet disorders, a decrease in white blood cells and neuropathy.

Good food sources are green leafy vegetables, oranges, beans, liver, rice and brewer's yeast.

Folate is also known as folic acid.

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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.