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Folate deficiency, also known as vitamin B 9 deficiency, is a low level of folate and derivatives in the body. [1] This may result in megaloblastic anemia in which red blood cells become abnormally large, and folate deficiency anemia is the term given for this medical condition. [3] Signs of folate deficiency are often subtle. [4]
Folate deficiency is diagnosed by analyzing a complete blood count (CBC) and plasma vitamin B 12 and folate levels. A serum folate of 3 μg/L or lower indicates deficiency. [98] Serum folate level reflects folate status, but erythrocyte folate level better reflects tissue stores after intake.
Treatments for nutritional anemia includes replacement therapy is used to elevate the low levels of nutrients.[1] Diet improvement is a way to combat nutritional anemia and this can be done by taking dietary supplements such as iron, folate, and Vitamin B12.[2] These supplements are available over-the-counter however, a doctor may prescribe ...
Diagnosis is not always straightforward as serum levels can be falsely high or normal. [10] Elevated methylmalonic acid levels may also indicate a deficiency. [2] Individuals with low or marginal values of vitamin B 12 in the range of 148–221 pmol/L (200–300 pg/mL) may not have classic neurological or hematological signs or symptoms. [2]
[56] [57] Low levels of serum vitamin B 12 may be caused by other factors than B 12 deficiency, such as folate deficiency, pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, haptocorrin deficiency, and myeloma. [57] High serum levels may caused by supplementing with vitamin B 12, present of antibodies to intrinsic factor, or due to underlying condition. [56]
In children with cerebral folate deficiency, the cerebrospinal fluid shows low levels of 5MTHF, and a loss of white matter in the brain (leukodystrophy) may occur. As a result of the decreased levels of 5MTHF, the child experiences low levels of Vitamin B folate. [12] There is inability for the 5MTHF to be transported across the blood-brain ...
More specifically, optimal levels are generally close to a central tendency of the values found in the population. However, usual and optimal levels may differ substantially, most notably among vitamins and blood lipids, so these tables give limits on both standard and optimal (or target) ranges.
The Schilling test has multiple stages. [3] As noted below, it can be done at any time after vitamin B 12 supplementation and body store replacement, and some clinicians recommend that in severe deficiency cases, at least several weeks of vitamin repletion be done before the test (more than one B 12 shot, and also oral folic acid), in order to ensure that impaired absorption of B 12 (with or ...