What is folic acid (folic) test or B9 test?

Folic acid or folate (folate) is one of the B vitamins that is necessary for the production of red blood cells and white blood cells, platelets, as well as the normal growth of body cells. The folic acid test, also known as the B9 test, is very important during pregnancy for the development of the fetus. Vegetables, whole grains enriched with vitamin B are rich in folate. But what is the normal amount of folic acid in the test and what are the most important side effects of the deficiency and high levels of this essential substance in the body? In this article from GCORP LLC magazine, you can learn everything about the folic acid test.

What is the folate test?
What is the difference between folate and folic acid?
Why should we do a folic acid test?
Interpretation of the folic acid test
The cause of high folic acid in the blood test is the reduction of folic acid
Test
Symptoms and complications of high folic acid
Symptoms and complications of folate test
Final speech
Frequently asked questions

What is the folate test?

Folate test is a blood test to measure the concentration of folate in red blood cells.... Folate is important for making red blood cells, repairing cells, and building DNA.... Folate is important for helping fetal cell reproduction during pregnancy.... Low levels of folate in pregnancy lead to defects in the fetus's brain and spine and can cause megaloblastic anemia (anemia). megaloblastic in the fetus)... In this type of anemia, the red blood cells are less, but larger than normal.

Learn more:Why is folic acid recommended during menstruation?

Our body does not produce this vitamin naturally and must receive it through food.. Many green vegetables such as spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, citrus fruits, natural fruit juices, beans, lentils, dried peas, yeast, liver, asparagus, broccoli and wheat germ contain folate.

Learn more:What are the benefits of folic acid for hair?

What is the difference between folate and folic acid?

Folic acid is the natural form of vitamin B9 in food and folic acid is the synthetic form of this vitamin.. The terms folic acid and folate are often used interchangeably.. When it comes to folic acid it is found in supplements and fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread and some breakfast cereals.. It can be found in wheat germ.

Why should we do a folic acid test?

If you suffer from anemia or do not have a proper diet, you should use the folate test to predict vitamin B9 deficiency....When a person is anemic, there are not enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the body's cells....Folate deficiency is one of the causes of anemia....When folate or folic acid is not received through food, pregnant women may be tested for folic acid deficiency....It is also very important, because folate It is a necessary vitamin for the development of the fetus, and if it is lacking, the baby will face serious complications... Therefore, if you are pregnant or suffer from anemia or have symptoms of folate deficiency, it is better to measure the level of folate in your blood as soon as possible by doing a B9 test.

Learn more: What is the LDH test?

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Folic acid test interpretation

Folic acid test results are different based on age, gender, health history and also the conditions of each person.... On the other hand, the normal range of folic acid in the test may also be different in each laboratory.

Usually, the normal amount of folic acid in blood plasma or blood serum test is considered to be between 5.2 and 20 ng/ml or 5.4 and 3.45 nmol/l.. The normal amount of folic acid in red blood cells is also lower than the test result from 140 to 628 ng/ml or 3222 ng/ml.. It is normal, that is, your body is facing folate deficiency and that is why General Dekner helps you to increase the amount of folate in your body by taking supplements and healthy foods after carefully examining this problem. Treatment is usually determined by your age and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding..

Learn more: Is hyperuricemia dangerous?

Read more: d3 test and its test answer interpretation

The cause of high folic acid in the blood test

If after the folate test or the B9 test you find that the amount of folate in your body is very high, it means that there is a lot of folate in your diet or you are using supplements rich in folic acid.... Folate is a water-soluble vitamin and therefore the body easily excretes excess folic acid in the form of urine... When the body is faced with a deficiency of vitamin B12, folate accumulates in the body.... In fact, our body The use of folate requires vitamin B12, and therefore a lack of B12 can increase the amount of B9 in the folic acid test.

The cause of folic acid reduction in blood test

If the amount of this substance in your body is low in the folic acid test, it means that you have not consumed enough foods containing vitamin B9 or folate.... On the other hand, alcohol addiction and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa also cause a decrease in folate in the blood test.... In many people, there may be problems in the body's absorption, diseases of folic acid and vitamin C in the body... Crohn's disease (IBD) reduces the absorption of folate in the body and A person faces a lack of this substance in the body.

Symptoms and complications of high folic acid

Usually, high folic acid does not cause any special problem for the body. Since folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, when there is more than normal in the body, it is excreted through urine.. Acid can refer to:

diarrhea
Insomnia
boil
Zinc deficiency
fatigue
Lack of concentration
Psychosis
Decreased appetite
Excitability
Bitter taste in the mouth
Depression
Seizures

Read more: What are the symptoms of high Fe in the blood test?

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Symptoms and complications of folate deficiency test

If the amount of folate in your body is lower than normal, you will usually experience symptoms... You can learn more about the signs and symptoms of folate deficiency.

diarrhea
dizziness
Feeling tired
Loss of appetite
Irregular heartbeat
Confused
paranoia
Skin paleness
Excitability
shortness of breath
Forgetfulness
Nausea

Read more: What is fbs test?... Interpretation of its test result

Final speech

Folic acid is an essential and important vitamin in our body, the lack or even increase of this vitamin in the body can cause serious problems in our health...Vitamin B9 deficiency or folate in the body of pregnant mothers is very important for the growth and health of the fetus.... If you are a vegetarian or follow a special diet or have consulted a specialist doctor, certain symptoms of folate deficiency in your body are better.. About this issue.... For easier communication, you can call the best general practitioners by voice or video through the possibility of online consultation and be visited by the doctor.

Click to book an online medical appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors reduce the amount of folate in the body?

Improper nutrition, vegetarianism, excessive alcohol consumption, old age, smoking, pregnancy, the use of birth control pills, as well as having some diseases and taking some medications can reduce folate in the body.

For the folate test or B9 test, it is usually recommended that none Do not use food and fast for 6 to 8 hours... Remember to inform the doctor of all the herbal and chemical medicines and supplements you have taken before the test...

What diseases are involved in the folic acid test?. Many factors affect the result of the folic acid test. People who use seizure and anticonvulsant drugs, cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, as well as those who are on kidney dialysis or have recently had surgery, or have Crohn's or celiac disease, may suffer from folate deficiency and their test results will be affected.

Sources: healthmatters, urmc.rochester, healthdirect

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