Folic Acid

Folic Acid (vitamin B9) is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays an important role in cell division, growth, development and nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) synthesis processes. Folic acid is essential for protein metabolism, brain function, liver function, stimulates appetite and gastric juice secretion.

Together with vitamin B12, folic acid is involved in red blood cell maturation in bone marrow, so its deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia. It also protects chromosomes from damage, making it especially important during pregnancy to ensure the formation of the fetal nervous system and help prevent birth defects.

The need for folic acid increases with intestinal diseases, epilepsy, alcoholism, drug use, use of hormonal contraceptives, liver diseases, anemia, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The most common natural sources are green leafy vegetables, liver, kidneys, eggs.

Test principle: The concentration of folic acid is determined from venous blood (serum) or erythrocytes, using immunochemical or spectrometric methods. Results are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) or nanomoles per liter (nmol/l).

Recommendations:

• It is recommended to test for suspected vitamin B9 deficiency - in cases of weakness, anemia, neurological symptoms.
• Useful for pregnant women and when planning pregnancy - for fetal nervous system development.
• Prescribed for patients with intestinal diseases (e.g., celiac disease), alcoholism, taking certain medications (e.g., methotrexate, antiepileptics).
• Suitable for evaluating unexplained fatigue, memory deterioration, hair loss.
• It is recommended to arrive for the test on an empty stomach - at least 8 hours, avoiding folic acid supplements 1-2 days before the test.