What does the Folate test mean?

Folate (or Folic acid) is vitamin B9 - a water-soluble B complex vitamin. This vitamin plays a very important role in the regeneration and growth maintenance of all cells. Folate test is often indicated in cases of blood disease, nutritional deficiency...

Folate test to measure the concentration of folic acid in the blood. Folic acid is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells will provide oxygen to the entire body, so they are very important to maintain human health. Besides, folic acid is also important for the normal development of the fetus, helps in cell and tissue growth, and makes DNA - the molecule that carries genetic information. This is why folic acid is especially important for women who are pregnant or women planning to become pregnant.
MORE: Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Should Take Before Pregnancy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting before pregnancy at least one month pregnant. Taking more folic acid during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida and cleft lip or cleft palate.
In addition to folic acid fortified drinks, this vitamin is also found in a number of foods, including:
Red meat Liver Egg yolk Dark green vegetables: water spinach, spinach, cauliflower, cotton broccoli... Grains Legumes: green beans, soybeans, cowpeas, peas...

Your doctor may perform a folic acid test if you have symptoms of folic acid deficiency. In addition, your doctor may also order tests if you are experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, as a deficiency in either vitamin can cause anemia.
Symptoms of folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency include:
2.1. Signs of cognitive problems When the body lacks folic acid, it will lead to a number of symptoms such as irritability, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating in school, work, or even a condition. depression . When the body is not provided with a timely and correct amount of folic acid, it will affect the risk of serious neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
2.2. The body is in a state of folic acid deficiency, which affects the production of red blood cells to be able to provide an adequate amount of oxygen needed for the functioning of organs in the body. At that time, the body will gradually experience fatigue, often numbness in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, and often pale skin.
2.3. Body aches When folic acid deficiency will lead to anemia, lack of oxygen to the brain, so the brain arteries will begin to ache and swell. Not only the brain but other organs and parts are also supplied with enough oxygen, leading to body aches, including: legs, chest area,...
2.4. Shortness of breath When the body shows abnormal signs of breathing such as shortness of breath, interrupted breathing, ... this proves that the body is in a state of lack of oxygen in the blood. The cause may stem from the lack of red blood cells in the body due to insufficient folic acid.
2.5. Other problems related to the digestive system The body of folic acid deficiency often shows symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain,... For people with severe folic acid deficiency, they will lose weight. quickly and always in the feeling of anorexia.

2.6. Decreased sense of taste Folic acid deficiency can cause ulcers in the mouth, reducing the sensation when enjoying food. It is mainly caused by taste receptors that cannot send messages to the brain through the nervous system.
In addition, folic acid deficiency can also cause some other accompanying symptoms such as: dizziness; dizziness and increased heart rate.
Accordingly, the Folate test is especially important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Therefore, consuming adequate amounts of folic acid is very important to prevent some birth defects and ensure the normal development of the fetus.

Normal serum Folate concentration fluctuates in the range: 9.5 - 45.2 nmol/L. Based on the above parameter, the Folate test result is evaluated as follows:
3.1. High value High levels of folic acid in the blood can be caused by a diet rich in folic acid foods, taking vitamins or taking folic acid pills. Accordingly, using more folic acid than the body needs usually does not cause problems affecting health.
High folic acid levels can also be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The body's cells need vitamin B12 to use folic acid. So, if vitamin B12 levels are low, the cells will not be able to use folic acid, leading to folic acid accumulation in the blood.
3.2. Low values ​​Low folic acid levels can be caused by diet-related causes, alcoholism, or eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.
Accordingly, low folic acid levels can also stem from problems with the body's absorption or use of folic acid, such as vitamin C deficiency, liver disease, Celiac disease or Crohn's disease.

Low levels of folic acid can cause problems for some people such as:
Pregnant women need more folic acid for their growing fetus. People with hemolytic anemia, a condition that causes rapid destruction of red blood cells, need more folic acid to make more red blood cells. In patients with kidney failure and some types of cancer, the body can use up folic acid quickly. Patients need to have their blood cleaned by a machine (dialysis). Folic acid is an important vitamin that is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells, especially for pregnant women and their unborn babies. You can get this vitamin through your diet and through supplements. In some cases with symptoms of folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency, the doctor may assign the patient to perform tests to evaluate the concentration and advise additional advice with appropriate dosage.

Reference source: healthline.com