Folate (from the Latin folium, meaning leaf, and the French word faible, meaning weak) is a vitamin B found in many foods. The U.S. Food and Nutrition Board recommends 400 micrograms per day for adults, while pregnant women should take at least 600 micrograms per day. Folate is also available as a dietary supplement; however, the FDA has not approved the safety of such supplements. The folate test helps you know the amount of folic acid in your body.
Food sources of folate include cooked spinach; dried beans; lettuce; baked potatoes; peanuts & soybeans; fortified breakfast cereals (check labels). Fortified food products that contain folate include pinto beans, cornmeal for tortillas & muffins, and instant rice pudding mixes (check labels).
What Does Folic Acid Do?
The body needs Folates to make DNA and RNA, which are essential building blocks for carrying out genetic instructions from DNA in cells to produce proteins within cells. Without adequate amounts of folic acid in your diet, your body cannot have enough nucleotides to ensure proper growth, development, and health in all stages of life (fetus, newborn baby/infant through adulthood).
Low levels can result in neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly (born without part of the brain), cleft palate, clubfoot, and heart defects, including those affecting the heart valves.
How to Take the Folate Test?
You can take the test on your own, like:
- Take a folate test at your doctor’s office
- Take a test at a lab
- Take a test at home
What Is The Function Of Folate?
Folate is a B vitamin that supports cell growth and repair and the production of red blood cells. Because folate plays such an essential role in pregnancy, you may wonder if any risks are associated with taking folic acid during this time (as opposed to other times).
The short answer is no, there are no risks! Folic acid supplements provide all of the benefits associated with natural folate consumption without any side effects, and if taken within recommended daily allowances by pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers, they can even reduce their chances of anemia during pregnancy by almost 50%.
Everything You Need To Know About Folate And Folic Acid:
Folate is a B vitamin found in many foods, including green, leafy vegetables and liver. It plays an essential role in DNA synthesis and cell division. The body needs folic acid (also known as folacin) to form this 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) nutrient.
Folate deficiency can cause congenital disabilities, anemia, and nerve damage. It also increases your heart and liver disease risk by changing how you metabolize cholesterol or fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.
Why Taking Folate, And Folic Acid During Pregnancy Is Important?
Taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), which are congenital disabilities of the brain or spine. These include spina bifida and anencephaly—profound congenital disabilities that cause severe disability or death in newborns if not treated early on after birth.
Learn About Folate And Folate Deficiency:
Folate is a B vitamin that plays a central role in normal cell division and growth. Folate deficiency can cause congenital disabilities, cancer, and other health problems.
People Who Have Low Levels Of Folic Acid May Need To Take Supplements To Prevent Deficiency Symptoms Such As:
- Anemia (a lack of red blood cells)—anemic people may feel tired or weak and have shortness of breath.
- Nervous system problems—numbness/tingling in hands and feet; tingling or other pains around the mouth when chewing food; forgetfulness
Conclusion:
The folate acid Test or Folic Acid Test is a test to detect the amount of folic acid, which is required for the proper functioning of the body. The test checks for deficiencies in folate and other vitamins necessary for the unborn baby’s normal development and helps prevent neural tube defects (NTD) during pregnancy.
