Explain the causes, consequences, and cure for the resulting disease of folate deficiency.

Folate is vital for women of childbearing age: Folate (vitamin B9), or folic acid, is an important vitamin for women of childbearing age, which is why prenatal vitamins have high folate levels. A folate deficiency can decrease the total number of cells and large red blood cells and cause neural tube defects that result in spina bifida in an unborn child. Symptoms of a folate deficiency include fatigue, mouth sores, poor growth, and changes in the color of hair, skin, and nails. Women who could become pregnant or are pregnant should start taking 400 mcg of folic acid daily, whether through food or supplements. Foods rich in folate are fortified cereals, beans, lentils, and leafy dark green dark vegetables. Deficiency can result from poor diet or genetic factors. Explain the causes, consequences, and cure for the resulting disease of folate deficiency.