What is folic acid, and why is it important?
The form of vitamin B9 found naturally in foods is folate, but you may be more familiar with hearing it called folic acid. Folic acid is the synthetic form of B9 found in vitamins and supplements and used to fortify foods that don’t naturally have vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 is crucial for cellular health because it is needed to make DNA. So, what is a folic acid test? This at-home folic acid test is a folate blood test that measures your B9 levels to see if they are within a normal range.
What happens if folate levels are too high?
Sometimes, if your folic acid blood test shows you have high folate levels, it may be because you are consuming a diet rich in folate or are consuming daily vitamin supplements that are high in folic acid. Some prescribed medications can also cause folate levels to rise. A high level of folic acid in the body isn’t typically problematic in itself, but it can hide signs of a vitamin B deficiency for other B vitamins.
What happens if folate levels are too low?
If your folate blood test came back with low levels, the problem may be in your diet. If you’re not eating enough fruits and vegetables that contain folate, you may develop a deficiency. Aside from your diet, individuals with a history of Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or malabsorptive conditions (conditions where your body has trouble absorbing necessary nutrients from your food, often these are genetic) can be other potential causes of a low folate level. A folic acid test can help you check to see if your vitamin B9 levels are low, normal, or high.
What about folate deficiency in pregnancy?
A folic acid deficiency in pregnancy can put the health of the developing baby at significant risk, which is why many women choose to take a prenatal supplement before and during pregnancy. If you are concerned about the possibility of a folate deficiency while also pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider to learn what steps you can take. They can tell you how much folate for pregnancy is recommended and review your personal levels to ensure you are within range.
What are the signs of low folic acid levels?
Ultimately, if you have a low folate status for a prolonged period of time, you may be more susceptible to developing anemia. Low folic acid levels may lead to t symptoms such as headaches, pale skin, weakness, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and loss of appetite. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, consider taking a folate test to check your levels.
How do you treat low folic acid levels?
If you are concerned about your folic acid level, a folic acid supplement may be recommended by your healthcare provider to supplement your dietary intake and increase your folate status. It’s important not to add a folic acid supplement into your daily routine without first consulting your healthcare provider, as they will be able to recommend the proper dosage for your personal situation. In some cases, your healthcare provider may also recommend you to take other vitamin B supplements in conjunction with your folic acid.
