Folate, also known as Vitamin B9 or folic acid in its synthetic form, is vital for DNA synthesis, repair, methylation, and red blood cell production. It's crucial for brain function and mental health, and its importance is heightened during pregnancy for fetal development, significantly reducing the risk of neural tube defects. Folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by larger and underdeveloped red blood cells, and symptoms like fatigue and weakness. In pregnant women, low folate levels can cause birth defects, including neural tube defects.
Folate interacts with other nutrients affecting its absorption and utilization. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a functional folate deficiency, as B12 is necessary to recycle folate in the body. Conversely, high folate levels can mask B12 deficiency symptoms. Zinc deficiency can impair folate utilization, while chronic alcohol consumption can reduce folate absorption and increase its excretion. Certain medications, like antiepileptic drugs, can interfere with folate absorption and metabolism.
Folate toxicity is rare due to its water-soluble nature, with excess typically excreted in urine. However, excessive folic acid intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms without preventing neurological damage caused by the deficiency.
To maintain healthy Vitamin B9 (folate) levels:
Consume a varied diet rich in folate-containing foods, such as leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes, whole grains, and fortified foods.
If you have a genetic variant affecting folate metabolism (such as MTHFR), work with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate form and dosage of folate supplementation.
Be mindful of potential interactions with medications, such as antiepileptic drugs, that can interfere with folate absorption and metabolism. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Ensure adequate intake of other nutrients that influence folate utilization, such as vitamin B12 and zinc, through a balanced diet or supplementation if necessary.
Vitamin B9 (Folate) in RBC can be measured in: ng/100mL, ng/dL, ng/L, ng/mL, ng%, nmol/L, pmol/L, µg/L
Reference ranges represent typical values for healthy individuals. Your healthcare provider must interpret your specific results.
| Age Range | Gender | Unit | Optimal | Normal | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All ages | All genders | ng/mL | - | 140 - 628 | Dunning, 2015 |
| 6 - 79 | All genders | nmol/L | - | 541.4 - 2110.6 | Rifai, 2023 |
Important for brain function and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are crucial for cognitive processes. Folate deficiency can lead to cognitive decline, particularly in the elderly. It plays a key role in DNA synthesis and repair, which is important for brain cell health. [O’Connor, 2022][Morris, 2012][Kruman, 2002][Hama, 2020][Durga, 2007]
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Folate and vitamin B12 have a synergistic relationship, particularly in DNA synthesis and repair, and the metabolism of homocysteine. They depend on each other to and deficiency in either vitamin can lead to megaloblastic anemia and elevated homocysteine levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.[Scott, 1999][Stabler, 2013]
Folate and vitamin B12 have a synergistic relationship, particularly in DNA synthesis and repair, and the metabolism of homocysteine. They depend on each other to and deficiency in either vitamin can lead to megaloblastic anemia and elevated homocysteine levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.[Scott, 1999][Stabler, 2013]
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