Folic Acid Test

Symptoms

Folic acid deficiency can lead to a condition known as folate deficiency anemia, which is characterized by a reduction in red blood cell production and enlarged red blood cells that do not function properly. Folic acid deficiency can cause a range of symptoms that may get worse over time, and are often similar to iron-deficiency anemia. Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue and shortness of breath: Insufficient red blood cells may lead to reduced oxygen delivery to body tissues, resulting in fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of folate deficiency anemia.
• Pale skin: Folate deficiency anemia can result in a lack of hemoglobin and oxygen delivered to the body’s tissues, causing pale skin.
• Tongue and mouth changes: Folic acid deficiency can cause the tongue to become swollen, sore, red, or develop small ulcers. The inside of the mouth may also be affected. 
• Digestive problems: Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, or appetite loss as a result of folic acid deficiency. 
• Irritability and mood changes: Folate plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis, and a deficiency may contribute to irritability, forgetfulness, and mood changes. 
• Cognitive issues: In severe cases, folic acid deficiency may lead to cognitive impairment, difficulty concentrating, and impaired memory. 
• Neural tube defects in children: Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects, which affect the brain, spine, and spinal cord. Most neural tube defects can be prevented with sufficient folic acid intake during early pregnancy.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a vitamin that your body cannot make on its own. While most people obtain enough folic acid by eating a varied diet, folic acid deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in developed countries. Folic acid is mainly found in green vegetables, fruits and whole grains, but also in milk products. Common symptoms of folic acid deficiency are a loss of appetite, weight loss and/or fatigue. Pregnant women who are deficient in folic acid during early pregnancy are also at a higher risk of having a baby with neural tube defects. Adults need 300 micrograms of folic acid per day. Regardless of diet, pregnant women are advised to take at least 400 micrograms every day in the form of supplements.

How soon will I receive the results of this at-home vitamin test? 

Once you have taken your blood sample and sent it to our medical partner laboratory, it should take a few working days to receive your test result. As soon as your test kit arrives at the laboratory you will receive a notification by email. Once your test result is ready, you will receive a text message and an email with a link to your result. Homed-IQ aims to keep you well informed throughout the testing process and provide a seamless testing experience.

What do the results of this test mean?

Folic acid deficiency

A folic acid level below 10.4 nmol/L indicates a folic deficiency. This can be caused by different factors. If your folic is low, see your GP. They may recommend supplements or test other vitamin levels, such as vitamin B12. 

To boost your folic acid levels through diet, eat more foods that contain it. These foods include:

• Dark leafy greens
• Peanuts
• Beans
• Whole grains
• Sunflower seeds

Sufficient folic acid

A folic acid level above 10.4 nmol/L and below 42.4 nmol/L is sufficient.

Elevated folic acid 

A folic acid level above 42.4 nmol/L is elevated. Elevated folic acid is uncommon as excess B12 is usually removed from the body in urine. Elevated vitamin B12 could be due to:

• Pernicious anemia
• Blind loop syndrome
• Excessive supplement use

If your folic acid level is elevated, see your doctor for further advice.