What does vitamin B9 folate do?
It aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material, and is especially important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly, such as in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy. Folic acid also works closely with vitamin B12 to help make red blood cells and help iron work properly in the body.
What is a B9 blood test?
A folic acid test is used to measure the amount of folic acid in your bloodstream. Folic acid is a lab-made form of folate, or vitamin B9. Low folic acid levels can lead to anemia or birth defects in babies. A folic acid test can help determine whether you would benefit from a folic acid supplement.
What diagnosis covers folate testing?
The SR13 identified several guidelines suggesting that folate testing is indicated in patients with dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, patients with abnormal blood counts and those with suspected gastrointestinal disorders associated with malabsorption or malnutrition.
Why is my folate blood test high?
High values High levels of folate in the blood may mean that you eat a diet rich in folate or folic acid, take vitamins, or take folic acid pills. Consuming more folate than the body needs does not cause problems. High folate levels can also mean a vitamin B12 deficiency. Body cells need vitamin B12 to use folate.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B9 deficiency?
Folate deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t get enough folate. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, mouth sores and neurological issues. Folate deficiency can be prevented by eating a diet rich in foods that contain folate.
What problems can a folate deficiency cause?
Without enough oxygen, your body can’t work as well as it should. Low levels of folic acid can cause megaloblastic anemia. With this condition, red blood cells are larger than normal. There are fewer of these cells.
What are the symptoms of low folate?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
- extreme tiredness.
- a lack of energy.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- a sore and red tongue.
- mouth ulcers.
- muscle weakness.
- disturbed vision.
- psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion.
What are symptoms of folic acid deficiency?
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated.
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- lack of energy (lethargy)
- breathlessness.
- feeling faint.
- headaches.
- pale skin.
- noticeable heartbeats (palpitations)
What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems, which affect your nervous system, such as:
- vision problems.
- memory loss.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- loss of physical co-ordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking.
What causes folic acid deficiency?
What are the causes of folic acid deficiency? Not eating enough foods containing folic acid (folate) is the most common cause. This occurs most often in elderly people who do not eat well. Alcohol-dependent people are another group often not eating properly.
What happens if folate is too high?
It can cause symptoms like weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and shortness of breath ( 14 , 15 ). If you take folic acid supplements and recognize any of these symptoms, consider getting your B12 levels checked. High intakes of folic acid may mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.
What are the symptoms of too much folate?
Oral use of folic acid can cause:
- Bad taste in your mouth.
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Confusion.
- Irritability.
- Sleep pattern disturbance.