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What is the Folic Acid Test?
A folic acid test can help determine how much folic acid is in your blood at a given time. Folate is an umbrella term for the several forms of Vitamin B9, one of which is folic acid. Folate, the natural variant of Vitamin B9, is found in many foods. Natural sources of folate include fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, peas, dairy products, chicken, meat, seafood, grains, etc. Manufacturers also add it to vitamin supplements and fortified foods in the form of folic acid. A wide variety of folic acid supplements is available.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Folic Acid Test used for?
The folic acid test can be used to:
- Determine the cause of your anaemia
- Check for malnutrition or folic acid absorption difficulties
- Check to see whether your medication for folic acid or Vitamin B12 deficiency is working
- Examine if a woman's folic acid levels are adequate to prevent certain birth abnormalities and allow her baby to grow normally
Understanding the test results of the Folic Acid Test
A doctor uses a folic acid test to determine the amount of folic acid present in the blood. The normal range of folic acid found in blood ranges between 2.7–17.0 nanograms per millilitre. The range your lab utilises is included in your lab report. If your test result’s reading is below the usual range, it suggests you have a folic acid deficiency.
Why do I need a Folic Acid Test?
You will be advised to get a Folic Acid Test if you have a Vitamin B9 deficiency. Your symptoms could be due to a deficiency of folic acid in the blood. The most common signs and symptoms of folic acid deficiency are diarrhoea, fatigue, constipation, headache, swollen tongue, appetite loss, numbness, and memory loss.
What happens during a Folic Acid Test?
Your health professional will place an elastic band on the upper arm to restrict the blood flow and clean the injection site with alcohol. A blood sample will be drawn carefully, causing as little discomfort as possible. Once the desired amount of blood is withdrawn, the lab technician will remove the needle and place cotton wool or a bandage over the injection site.
What is the normal range for folic acid?
The normal range of folic acid in the blood is between 2.7 and 17.0 nanograms per millilitre.
How do I know if I'm lacking folic acid?
The most common signs of folic acid deficiency include tiredness, weariness, muscle wasting, and lethargy. Additionally, you may also experience some neurological symptoms, like a feeling of prickling pain or tingling or burning sensations and peripheral neuropathy or numbness in the extremities. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician before taking the test.
What happens if your folic acid is low?
Low folic acid levels may indicate a dietary issue, an alcohol problem, or an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa. It also indicates liver illness, celiac disease, sprue, or Crohn's disease. It is always advisable to seek medical advice before making a final diagnosis. Your doctor will decide on an appropriate diagnosis and treatment strategy.
Is B12 the same as folic acid?
Although folate and Vitamin B12 are types of Vitamin B and function similarly, they are not the same. Folate is a generic term for the various forms of Vitamin B9: dihydrofolate (DHF), folic acid, etc.
Together, Vitamin B12 and folic acid help the body create red blood cells and regulate iron levels. Vitamin B12 is essential for neurological health, whereas folic acid is vital for women of reproductive age, especially during pregnancy. A deficiency of either B-vitamin can cause anaemia.
What blood test is used for folic acid?
Your doctor will recommend a Folic Acid Test to determine the level of folic acid in your blood. Your doctor may also recommend a complete blood count (CBC) test to identify if you have folic acid deficiency anaemia. This test will determine if you have a low RBC count.
What does a high folic acid test mean?
You may have high amounts of folic acid in your blood if you consume a high-folate or folic acid-rich diet, take vitamins, or take folic acid tablets. However, the upper limit for folic acid intake should not exceed over 1000 mcg per day for adults. Excessive folic acid intake may cause high levels of unmetabolised folic acid in the blood.
References:
- Fischbach F, Dunning MB III (2015). A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 9th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health.
- Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier
- Abbaspour, N. (2014, February). Review on iron and its importance for human health. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 19(2), 164-174 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3999603/
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