Folate

Folate (Vitamin B9) is an essential nutrient required for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and normal cellular growth and function.

Low folate levels may result in megaloblastic anaemia, a type of macrocytic anaemia characterised by the production of enlarged, immature red blood cells. This can occur due to insufficient dietary intake, particularly in individuals with low consumption of green vegetables, legumes, or fortified foods. Increased risk is seen in older adults, people with chronic alcohol use, poor nutritional intake, and those with malabsorption conditions such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disorders.

Folate deficiency during pregnancy is especially important, as it is linked to an increased risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. For this reason, folic acid supplementation is recommended for women planning pregnancy or of childbearing age.

Dietary insufficiency and malabsorption are among the most common causes of folate deficiency. As folate deficiency can present similarly to vitamin B12 deficiency, both tests are often performed together when investigating macrocytic anaemia or unexplained neurological symptoms.

The findings related to these particular clinical tests are a general guide and do not cover every possible scenario, this is because every patient is unique and these results only have true clinical significance when combined with the patient’s full medical history, a physical exam, and other diagnostic findings.