Determining the level of vitamin B9, or folic acid, is a blood test that is prescribed to determine a possible deficiency.

Also called folate and folacin, folic acid or vitamin B9 is involved in many processes. These include:

• the formation of red blood cells;
• the production of DNA and RNA, our genetic material;
• the proper functioning of the nervous system;
• healing ;
• the production of new cells;
• the proper functioning of the immune system.

Note that we are talking about folic acid for the synthesized form which serves as a supplement and folate for the form present in the diet.

Folic acid is found in many foodstuffs. These include:

• poultry offal;
• calf’s liver and lamb’s liver;
• legumes;
• spinach ;
• asparagus ;
• linseed and sunflower seeds;
• broccoli ;
• fennel ;
• the endives ;
• the beets ;
• or lettuce.

The doctor orders a test of vitamin B9 or folic acid to detect a possible deficiency. If the patient has the following clinical circumstances and symptoms:

• alcoholism;
• prolonged fever;
• anemia ;
• intestinal and hepatic diseases;
• prolonged diarrhea;
• kidney function disorder;
• significant and persistent stress.
• diarrhea;
• loss of appetite and weight;
• headache ;
• breathless ;
• heart palpitations ;
• or irritability and mood swings.

Note that some people have an increased need for folic acid:

• pregnant women ;
• women who are breastfeeding;
• in case of acute infections;
• certain cancers;
• or even in people on dialysis.

In pregnant women, it is particularly important since it plays a key role in the normal development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Specifically, folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, caused by failure of the neural tube to close during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Since the neural tube is the primary nervous system, which will eventually give rise to the brain and spinal cord, abnormalities in it can cause severe disability or even death of the baby.

Moreover, before and during pregnancy, the doctor prescribes vitamin supplements containing folic acid for women to be taken every day.

Note that it is advisable to take folic acid in the months preceding pregnancy, as far as possible.

Normal values ​​of folic acid in the blood are between 5 and 15 µg / l.

If the analyzes show a concentration of folic acid lower than these reference values, then the patient has a deficiency. This problem can be associated with many symptoms, such as anemia, diarrhea, heart palpitations, etc.

A deficiency can also be a sign of celiac disease, a condition that affects the absorption of vitamins in the gastrointestinal tract.

In case of deficiency in vitamin B9 / folic acid, it is possible to eat foods that contain a lot of it or to take vitamin supplements.

Note that it is recommended not to exceed 1 mg of folic acid intake per day.

The examination consists of a sample of venous blood, generally at the level of the elbow crease.

It is advisable to have an empty stomach 8 hours before the sample. Your doctor will give you precise instructions on this subject.