Serum folate is the amount of folate in a person’s blood serum, measured through a blood test. It is important to monitor levels to avoid deficiencies or high levels, which can be dangerous to health. Folate is necessary for DNA and RNA and is found in natural foods or as a synthetic form called folic acid. Deficiencies can cause negative effects, while high levels can trigger seizures and mask symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Serum folate refers to the amount of folate present in a person’s blood serum. Testing for folate is done by a doctor or other qualified health care professional and involves drawing blood to find out how much of this essential vitamin is in the serum and how much is in the red blood cells. The measurements specifically give medical professionals an indication of how much folate has recently been introduced into the body, while folate found and measured in red blood cells tells them how much folate has been stored in the body for long-term use.
Measuring serum folate levels is important, as it helps determine whether a person has high levels or suffers from a deficiency. Both of these conditions are potentially dangerous to a person’s health and, therefore, should be monitored, particularly if a person is taking folate supplements. While most people’s levels are fine when the vitamin is acquired from natural sources, individuals who supplement with folic acid vitamins are more likely to have high amounts, which can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. Individuals with a past history of alcohol abuse or who are anemic are more likely to have a deficiency.
Folate is a B vitamin found naturally in foods such as broccoli, turnip greens, eggs, yeast, dried beans, and citrus fruits. When a synthetic form is used as a vitamin supplement or to fortify foods, such as breads and cereals, it is called folic acid. Folate is a necessary ingredient in DNA and RNA to make new cells and keep existing cells from mutating in diseases such as cancer, and it also helps maintain proper levels of homocysteine, which helps keep amino acids at optimal levels throughout the body. inside of the body.
After testing a person’s serum folate levels, if a doctor discovers a deficiency, a person will be advised to take folic acid supplements. Deficiency has a negative effect on the body and can stunt a child’s growth or cause anemia, heart palpitations or heart disease in adults. When levels are too high, however, they can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. Elevated folate levels can also mask the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, which include neuropathy, dementia and megaloblastic anemia. When these symptoms are hidden and there is a delay in treating them, which can lead to long-term damage.
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