Question 1

What is Folate Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Folate deficiency is a condition where the body lacks sufficient vitamin B9, essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and proper cell division. It is caused by inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption disorders, certain medications, or increased folate demands during pregnancy. The Homocysteine, Cardiovascular test is the most important test for assessing the functional impact of folate deficiency on metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Question 2

What causes folate deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Folate deficiency is caused by inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B9-rich foods like leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains, malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn disease, certain medications including methotrexate and sulfasalazine, excessive alcohol consumption, or increased folate demands during pregnancy and lactation. Chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis can also deplete folate stores. Some people have genetic variations affecting folate metabolism, making them more susceptible to deficiency even with adequate intake.

Question 3

What is the best test for folate deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The Homocysteine, Cardiovascular test is the most important functional test for folate deficiency because it measures how well your body is using folate to metabolize homocysteine, an amino acid that accumulates when folate levels are low. Elevated homocysteine indicates that folate deficiency is impacting your metabolism and potentially increasing your cardiovascular disease risk. This test provides valuable insight into the functional consequences of low folate, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and neural tube defects in pregnancy. While direct folate blood tests measure folate levels in your blood, the homocysteine test shows whether the deficiency is actually affecting your body's biochemical processes.

Question 4

When should I get tested for folate deficiency?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath that might indicate anemia, notice pale skin or a sore, red tongue, experience mood changes like irritability or depression, are planning pregnancy or are pregnant, take medications that interfere with folate absorption like methotrexate or anti-seizure drugs, have been diagnosed with celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, or consume excessive alcohol regularly. Early detection through blood testing helps prevent serious complications like cardiovascular disease and allows for timely treatment with folate supplementation.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of folate deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of folate deficiency include persistent fatigue and weakness, pale or yellowish skin, shortness of breath and dizziness, a sore and red tongue with smooth texture, mouth ulcers, mood changes including irritability and depression, difficulty concentrating and memory problems, headaches, and heart palpitations. Because folate is essential for red blood cell production, many symptoms relate to anemia. Some people may also experience digestive issues like diarrhea, and pregnant women with folate deficiency face increased risk of neural tube defects in their developing babies.

Question 6

Who is at risk for folate deficiency?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for folate deficiency include pregnant and breastfeeding women due to increased folate demands, individuals with malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or Crohn disease, people who consume excessive alcohol regularly, those taking certain medications including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and some anti-seizure drugs, individuals on dialysis for kidney disease, older adults with poor dietary intake, people following restrictive diets without adequate folate-rich foods, and those with genetic variations affecting folate metabolism like MTHFR mutations. People who do not eat fortified grains or consume few vegetables are also at increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if folate deficiency is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated folate deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia with severe fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, elevated homocysteine levels increasing risk of cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke, peripheral neuropathy causing numbness and tingling in hands and feet, cognitive decline and memory problems, depression and mood disorders, and increased risk of certain cancers. In pregnant women, folate deficiency causes neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly in developing babies, premature birth, and low birth weight. Chronic deficiency can also impair immune function, making you more susceptible to infections.

Question 8

Can folate deficiency be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, folate deficiency can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure serum folate levels and red blood cell folate levels. The Homocysteine, Cardiovascular test provides functional assessment by measuring homocysteine levels, which become elevated when folate is deficient and cannot properly metabolize this amino acid. A complete blood count may show large, immature red blood cells characteristic of megaloblastic anemia. Your healthcare provider may order multiple tests together to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity and functional impact of folate deficiency on your metabolism and overall health.

Question 9

How is folate deficiency treated?

Accepted Answer

Folate deficiency is treated with oral folic acid supplements, typically 400 to 1000 micrograms daily, though higher doses may be prescribed for severe deficiency or malabsorption conditions. Treatment also involves increasing dietary intake of folate-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, and fortified grains and cereals. If an underlying condition like celiac disease or Crohn disease is causing the deficiency, treating that condition is essential. People taking medications that interfere with folate metabolism may need higher supplemental doses. Most people see improvement in symptoms within a few weeks, though red blood cell folate levels may take several months to normalize.

Question 10

How can I prevent folate deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Prevent folate deficiency by eating a balanced diet rich in folate-containing foods including dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, legumes such as lentils and black beans, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals and grains. Take a daily multivitamin containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid, especially if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or at increased risk. Limit alcohol consumption as it interferes with folate absorption and metabolism. If you have a condition affecting nutrient absorption, work with your healthcare provider to ensure adequate folate intake through diet and supplementation. Women of childbearing age should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with folate deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches to addressing folate deficiency include consuming folate-rich whole foods like dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans), asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, avocados, citrus fruits, and fortified whole grains. Cooking methods matter - steaming vegetables preserves more folate than boiling. Supporting gut health with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut may improve folate absorption, as gut bacteria also produce some folate. Reducing alcohol intake and managing stress through adequate sleep and regular exercise supports overall nutrient metabolism. However, if you have significant deficiency, dietary changes alone may not be sufficient, and folic acid supplementation under healthcare provider guidance is typically necessary for effective treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Folate Deficiency Blood Test

What is Folate Deficiency?

What causes folate deficiency?

What is the best test for folate deficiency?

When should I get tested for folate deficiency?

References

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