Description
Folate, Serum test measures the amount of folic acid in the blood. Folic acid is found in many foods and is one of the B vitamins. Folic acid is needed for the formation of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This vitamin is also needed for fetus development.
Folic acid deficiency is common in pregnant women, alcoholics, in patients whose diets do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and in people with structural damage to the small intestine. The most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum. Low folic acid levels, however, can also be the result of a primary vitamin B12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid.
Folic acid (Folate) is a B vitamin that plays an important role in DNA synthesis and producing red blood cells. Folic acid is absorbed through the small intestine and stored in the liver and must be ingested through diet since it cannot be made by the body itself.This blood test is used to detect a folic acid deficiency, monitor therapy with folic acid, and/or evaluate megaloblastic and macrocytic anemia. Deficiencies in folic acid can cause neural tube defects to occur to a fetus during pregnancy.This blood test is used to determine folic acid (folate) levels.
Deficient folic acid levels may lead to Macrocytic anemia ,Pale skin/Graying hair,Tender, swollen tongue/mouth sores,Irritability,Lethargy/Fatigue and Diarrhea. Leafy, green vegetables,Fresh fruits and vegetable,Organ meats,Yeast,Fortified cereals and grains are the best folic acid source.This test recommended for Pregnant women, Are gastrointestinal surgery patients, Have digestive disorders like celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or Crohn`s disease ,Have chronic alcoholism ,Have malnutrition or malabsorption or Using anticonvulsant drugs like Phenytoin (Dilantin).
