What does low folate mean in a blood test?
Folate-deficiency anemia is the lack of folic acid in the blood. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps your body make red blood cells. If you don’t have enough red blood cells, you have anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body.
What can cause low folate levels?
A diet low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals is the main cause of folate deficiency. In addition, overcooking your food can sometimes destroy the vitamins. Folate levels in your body can become low in just a few weeks if you don’t eat enough folate-rich foods.
What are the symptoms of low folate levels?
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 do you do if your folate is low?
What’s the Treatment? Folate deficiency anemia is prevented and treated by eating a healthy diet. This includes foods rich in folic acid, such as nuts, leafy green vegetables, enriched breads and cereals, and fruit. Your doctor will also likely prescribe you a daily folic acid supplement.
What should your folate level be?
The normal range is 2.7 to 17.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 6.12 to 38.52 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs.
How long does it take to treat folate deficiency?
Most people need to take folic acid tablets for about 4 months. But if the underlying cause of your folate deficiency anaemia continues, you may have to take folic acid tablets for longer, possibly for life.
What blocks folic acid absorption?
Diseases in which folic acid is not well absorbed in the digestive system (such as Celiac disease or Crohn disease) Drinking too much alcohol. Eating overcooked fruits and vegetables. Folate can be easily destroyed by heat.
Does low folate cause anxiety?
“Problems with folate metabolism have been associated with depression and/or anxiety. This is partly due to inadequate SAMe synthesis. SAMe is required for neurotransmitter synthesis which is important for proper nerve and brain function.
Who should be sure to consume enough folate?
Most people in the United States get enough folate. However, certain people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough folate: Teen girls aged 14–18 years, women aged 19–30 years, and non-Hispanic black women. People with alcohol use disorder.
What should you not take with folic acid?
Antibiotics, Tetracycline — Folic acid should not be taken at the same time as the antibiotic tetracycline because it interferes with the absorption and effectiveness of this medication. Folic acid either alone or in combination with other B vitamins should be taken at different times from tetracycline.
Is folate and B12 the SAMe thing?
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is found in foods from animals, such as red meat, fish, poultry, milk, yogurt, and eggs. Folate (Vitamin B9) refers to a natural occurring form of the vitamin, whereas folic acid refers to the supplement added to foods and drinks.
Can low folate cause depression?
A review of 11 studies involving 15,315 people found an association between low folic acid levels and depression, adding to the evidence that folic acid deficiency is a risk factor for depression. Researchers have also focused on people who are being treated for depression.
Is it bad to have too much folate?
You can’t get too much from foods that naturally contain folate. You should not get more than 1,000 micrograms of folic acid a day, unless your doctor prescribes a higher amount. Too much folic acid can hide signs that you lack vitamin B12, which can cause nerve damage.
Can low folate affect mood?
However, there is some evidence, though not conclusive, that folate deficiency may be involved in the etiology of depression in a minority of patients. Alternatively, depressed mood may decrease appetite, lower folate levels and thereby help to prevent recovery from depression.
Does folate help with anxiety?
Vitamin B5 supports the adrenal glands, which reduces stress and anxiety levels. Vitamin B9 (also known as folate or folic acid) and vitamin B12 are important in balancing out depressive moods. Vitamin B6 together with magnesium can balance out anxiety that occurs in conjunction with PMS.
