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A folate blood test helps identify deficiencies or high levels of Vitamin B9, which can lead to anemia and pregnancy complications. Managing folate levels is crucial for preventing serious health issues.
Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the body. It is essential for producing and repairing DNA and RNA and is involved in amino acid metabolism, which is necessary for proper cell function.
Folate also supports the production of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow and aids in converting carbohydrates into energy.
For pregnant women, folate is vital for the healthy development of the fetus, particularly in preventing neural tube defects.
Since the body cannot produce folate, it must be obtained through diet or supplements.
A lack of folate can lead to various health problems, such as certain types of anemia and pregnancy complications.
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Folate testing is typically recommended to check for deficiencies or to monitor certain conditions. It helps in diagnosing underlying causes of various symptoms and conditions related to folate imbalance.
Your doctor might recommend folate testing in the following situations:
Folate levels are most commonly measured through a blood test. A sample of venous blood is taken to evaluate the amount of folate in your serum or red blood cells.
In certain cases, doctors may also test folate levels through urine, but blood tests are more common.
Test types that include folate measurement:
Special preparations for the test:
In adults, normal folate levels typically range between 12.46-61.18 nmol/L.
Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used
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Abnormal folate levels can either be too high or too low, each presenting different causes and health implications.
High levels of folate are usually less common.
Causes of high folate levels:
Low folate levels are more common and can result from a variety of factors. These deficiencies can lead to anemia, pregnancy complications, and other health issues.
Causes of low folate levels:
If you have concerns about your folate levels or related health issues, you should consider consulting the following specialists:
Folic acid and folate are related but not the same. Folate is the natural form of Vitamin B9 found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic version used in supplements and fortified foods.
While there is no direct evidence that high folate levels cause cancer, some studies suggest that excessive folic acid supplementation may potentially influence the growth of certain types of cancer cells. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking large amounts of folic acid.
This article was written by doctors from the Docus Medical Research team and reviewed by leading experts in hematology, gastroenterology, and gynecology. We relied on academic studies, medical research, and publications from credible sources to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.
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